Everyone knows that the first step in solving a problem is to, well, recognise that there’s a problem. When it comes to pest management, that is true as well! That is why timely inspections are crucial in any pest management plan.
If your abode is in a high-risk area for termites, conducting regular inspections for their presence is essential. But first up, what makes your home at risk of a termite infestation?
Risk factors that attract termites
- Climate
Due to our location in Singapore, we are quite susceptible to termite infestations. Most kinds of termites love warm and humid climates – and Singapore has that all year round.
- Food source
Termites go to where they can find food. For them, food means cellulose-containing material, such as wood, decaying plants, or even books and cardboard. So, if you have plenty of wooden furniture, or have a lush garden, or have parts of your home made out of wood, you are at risk of inviting termites into your home.
- Proximity to the ground
An additional risk is when your home is near the ground, or a soil source which already contains termites (e.g. an infested rooftop garden). Some termites live in the ground, so being close to or in direct contact with soil is a huge risk factor.
How do I inspect my home for termites?
Termites are not easy to see, as they are often hiding underground, in the hollows of wood, or in their mud tubes. Thus, to identify their presence, you should also recognise these signs:
- Mud tubes: These are networks of tubes made by soil and saliva, used by termites to travel between their home (typically underground) to their food source. They are often found running along walls near the ground and the affected wood.
- Holes or cracks in wooden items: These are signs that termites may have entered the wooden item in question. If you knock and hear a hollow sound, or slit the wood open and see hollow tubes, it is likely termites have been feeding in it.
- Coarse, brownish powder: These are termite droppings or ‘frass’ that termites dispose of after boring into the wood. They are frequently spotted near the entrances to their food source.
- Termite wings: Some termites enter homes during swarming season. If so, they often drop their wings, and you’ll find them in spots like windowsills.
How do professionals perform termite inspection?
If you suspect that there are termites in your home, calling up a pest control company should be the next step to do. While you may have spotted some signs of the pests, pest control professionals can perform more thorough termite inspection using specialised tools. This allows them to assess the severity of the situation with more accuracy, and pinpoint the termites’ exact locations.
At PestClinic, we use a termite detection radar called Termatrac T3i, which uses radar to detect termite movement within walls. This removes the need to tap or drill holes, while being highly precise.
Another tool that is used is the PestClinic Integrated Inspection System, which uses thermography and long-range night vision to ‘see through’ building walls, floors, and ceilings. The non-contact and non-invasive technique is ideal, saving on repair costs later on.
Conclusion
Defending your home against termites requires you to be vigilant towards the first signs of infestation. Working hand-in-hand with a termite control company, you can then manage the pest situation in your home and live without worry.
