Drywood Termites vs. Subterranean Termites: Understanding the Differences
Termites are destructive pests, but not all termites are the same. Two common types that pose threats to properties in Singapore are drywood termites and subterranean termites. Understanding their differences is essential for choosing the correct treatment method to protect your property.
1. Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites, the most infamous and destructive insect’s wood pest in Asia, are known by their scientific name coptotermes gestroi. They are capable of severely damaging a family’s most prized asset in their abode and inflict millions of dollars’ worth of damage every year. Subterranean termites dwell in underground colonies and have castes that are responsible for specific colony tasks. The caste system is made up of three classes – swarmers, soldiers, and workers.
Subterranean termites ingest anything with cellulose and fibre from wood, including plant products, cardboard, and paper. Though dead trees are their primary food source, termites will begin attacking building structures when the land is cleared due to human intervention as well as homes that are constructed. Termites can enter houses and buildings through timber sitting on soil and building tunnels (mud tubes in foundations). They may also easily infiltrate through foundational openings or cracks.
As they need damp settings to survive, subterranean termites construct their mud tubes to reach their food sources and defend their colonies from predators. To meet this need, however, they typically build their nests in or close to the ground, skirting near windows, toilet door frames, and kitchen sinks. They also keep their connection to the soil by tunnelling through wood or mud tubes on the ground. In some cases, these termites can create tunnels through concrete cracks.
Every day, the subterranean termite queens breed and lay eggs. The male will perish after the mating. Termite queens lay an enormous number of eggs, typically between 11 million eggs annually, and can lay 165 million eggs in their lifetime. Reproductive females and males in the swarmer caste are sent outside during the spring to reproduce and establish new colonies.
2. Drywood Termites
Also known as Kalotermitidae, drywood termites are the second most destructive termite pest behind subterranean ones due to their reduced moisture needs and ability to dwell totally inside of wood. They target timber that is currently being used and dead wood on living trees. Yet, drywood termite treatment is much more difficult to execute because, unlike subterranean termites, they cannot be lured or treated with bait. For property owners, investing in Singapore drywood termite control ensures peace of mind.
Drywood termites devour both hardwood and wood that has been eaten along and across the grain in order to obtain their sustenance from the cellulose in the wood. Additionally, they consume built-in cabinets, wood skirting, and door frames.
Drywood termites only inhabit sound, dry wood, like doorframes, antique wood, and wooden cabinets, which serve as a food source and colony site. The likelihood of a drywood termite infestation is often quite high should the wood not be treated. These termites may obtain all the moisture they require from the wood they devour and their metabolic processes; thus, they do not need to establish soil contact. Drywood termites are well protected from the environment and predators by living within their food supply, which also makes it exceedingly challenging to find them. Drywood termite control experts often emphasise early detection to prevent damage. If you’re facing an issue with drywood termite control, it’s essential to take prompt action before they spread and cause extensive damage.
To avoid extensive infestations, homeowners are encouraged to engage Singapore drywood termite treatment specialists who can detect and eliminate termites at the early stages.
Primary (winged alates) and replacement (wingless, not heavily sclerotised) are the two main types of reproductives. Replacement reproductives stay in the colony where they were developed, whereas swarmers move on to find new colonies. All the mating, as well as egg-laying that takes place within a drywood termite colony, are carried out by reproductives.
After alates land, they tend to twist off their wings, find a mate, and burrow into a suitable area in the wood like built-in cabinets, door frames and wooden skirting, in which they would then mate. These alates (swarmers) whose wings have broken off are called dealates. It takes several months before the eggs hatch, making drywood termite treatment in Singapore critical for managing infestations.
After alates land, they tend to twist off their wings, find a mate, and burrow into a suitable area in the wood like built-in cabinets, door frames and wooden skirting, in which they would then mate. These alates (swarmers) whose wings have broken off are called dealates. After which, it takes several months before the eggs hatch, making Singapore drywood termite treatment critical for managing infestations.
3. Dampwood Termites
The less commonly found termite species
Dampwood termites thrive in extremely moist areas and feed and live in very moist wood, particularly in fallen trees, stumps, tree shrubs, and in the garden area. Thus, they get their name due to the fact that they are frequently seen and feed on wood with moisture, like damp wood and decaying timber.
Dampwood termites do not build shelter tubes, in contrast to the subterranean termite species. This is due to the fact that dampwood termites do not require any soil contact. In addition, they only consume moist woods or woods with high moisture content. As a result, their colonies are often made of wood.
All termites’ main food source is cellulose present in wood, hence, dampwood termites tend to feed on wooden materials kept near water or woods in direct contact with soil. As their name suggests, dampwood termites typically consume moist wood-like damp or decaying wood.
Dampwood termites often infest damp wood that is already decomposing, as their name suggests. They are also known to infest structures with high moisture levels or fungus due to drainage concerns, ventilation problems, or plumbing leaks.
Additionally, excessive moisture that may build up in wall cavities as a result of old, leaf-clogged gutters, can attract dampwood termites.
Essentially, these termites do not nest in the soil but rather reside inside the wooden structures they are consuming.
A dampwood termite colony is established by a pair of winged swarmers. They locate an appropriate piece of wood and subsequently create a chamber in it. The first year, they only lay a few eggs. Although colonies are typically tiny, dampwood termite colonies are able to grow significantly under the right circumstances. Out of the 3 termite species, subterranean termites account for about 90% of termite activities in Singapore.
Drywood Termite Control & Treatment
Our drywood termite control process involves advanced detection and treatment methods to eliminate termites at their source:
Subterranean Termite Control & Treatment
From traditional chemical treatments to cutting-edge heat treatments, there is a solution that can fit your specific needs.
Baiting System
Inspection & Treatment: Full property inspection followed by Above-Ground Bait placement. Toxicant-laced bait is shared through the colony, targeting the Queen and King.
Monitoring: Biweekly checks ensure colony eradication within 6-8 weeks on average.
Highlight: Long-term, colony-wide elimination.
Spot Treatment with Termiticide Spray
Inspection & Treatment: Our specialist inspects wooden structures for subterranean termite activity. Routine inspections are recommended for early detection and damage prevention.
Action: Termiticide treatment is applied to active infestations, disrupting termite grooming and exposing them to soil fungi, which naturally eliminate them.
Highlight: Proactive detection and targeted treatment for lasting protection.
Corrective Treatment
(Landed Property)
Steps: Locate infestations, apply termiticide solution, drill 8mm holes at 300mm intervals, inject termiticide, and seal holes.
Warranty: 5 years of protection.
Corrective Treatment
(Apartment)
Process: Treat wood areas in apartments with termiticide solution and 2mm drilled holes, then fill with colored wooden fillers.
Warranty: 2 years of termite-free assurance.
Roof Treatment
Method: Two layers of blanket spraying on wood rafters with termiticide solution for extra durability.
Warranty: 1 year.
Soil Treatment
Pre-Construction: Anti-termite barrier applied before concrete slab installation.
Warranty: 5 years of solid foundation protection.
Protect Your Property from Termites
Whether you’re dealing with drywood termites or subterranean termites, PestClinic has the expertise and advanced treatment methods to safeguard your property. We offer customised termite control solutions for residential and commercial properties in Singapore.
Don’t wait for termites to cause costly damage. Contact PestClinic today for professional termite control services. Whether subterranean or drywood termite treatment, schedule your inspection and take the first step toward a termite-free home!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Subterranean and Drywood Termites
Explore the articles below to discover expert insights on termite prevention and treatment methods, including effective Singapore drywood termite control strategies.
What is the Best Treatment for Drywood Termites?
The best treatment for drywood termites begins with a thorough inspection to identify infestation points. Once detected, we use a flushing method for direct elimination, targeting termites at the source. Localised fumigation is also incorporated into the treatment process, where the affected area is sealed with plastic sheets and a gaseous fumigant is introduced to penetrate deep into the wood for complete eradication. Trust our expert drywood termite treatment solutions in Singapore to effectively protect your property.
How Serious are Drywood Termites?
Drywood termites are a serious threat to wooden structures as they feed on dry wood and can cause significant damage over time. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not require contact with soil and can infest furniture, doors, beams, and even wooden flooring. If left untreated, they can compromise the structural integrity of a building, leading to costly repairs. That’s why timely drywood termite control is essential.
Can Drywood Termites Spread?
Yes, drywood termites can spread by swarming. Winged reproductive termites (alates) leave their original colony to establish new infestations in nearby wooden structures. They can enter through cracks, exposed wood, or even furniture, making early detection and drywood termite treatment crucial to preventing the spread of an infestation.
How to Detect Drywood Termites?
Detecting drywood termites can be challenging as they live inside wood and do not create visible mud tubes like subterranean termites. Common signs of an infestation include:
- Frass (termite droppings): Small, pellet-like wood-coloured droppings near infested areas.
- Hollow-sounding wood: Tapping on infested wood may produce a hollow sound.
- Discarded wings: Presence of termite wings near windows or light sources after a swarming event.
If you suspect a drywood termite infestation, it’s best to contact a professional termite control service in Singapore for a thorough inspection and treatment.
How Do You Control Subterranean Termites?
Controlling subterranean termites involves both eliminating existing colonies and preventing future infestations. Treatment often begins with the application of termiticides into the soil around a building’s foundation to create a protective barrier. Baiting systems may also be installed to attract and eliminate termite colonies. While different from drywood termite control, subterranean termite management also requires expert attention and long-term monitoring.
What Causes Subterranean Termites?
Subterranean termites are drawn to environments with moisture and access to wood. Common causes include leaky pipes, poor drainage, and wood in direct contact with soil. They often enter homes through foundation cracks or expansion joints. Unlike drywood termites, they require a constant source of moisture, which is why areas with high humidity are particularly vulnerable. Understanding the cause is essential in both preventing subterranean infestations and implementing effective termite control strategies, alongside drywood termite treatment for other termite types.
