| Latin Name | Blattoidea |
| Length | Around 1cm |
| Colour | Brown |
| Common Sighting | Utility pipes, wooden furniture |
| Latin Name | Blattoidea |
| Length | Around 1cm |
| Colour | Brown |
| Common Sighting | Utility pipes, wooden furniture |
Table of Contents
Termite Pest Control Service in Singapore
At PestClinic, we specialise in termite control treatments and understand the importance of protecting your property from termites. We are dedicated to providing effective and efficient termite control solutions. With our specialised equipment, trained technicians and advanced techniques, we can identify and eliminate termite infestations, preventing further damage and restoring the integrity of your property.
Quick Facts on Termites
In Singapore, termites are commonly referred to as “White Ants”. They are the most feared pest in Singapore because every year they deal damage to properties by feeding on cellulose found in wood and wood by-products. These damages can amount to thousands of dollars to get fixed, in addition to engaging the services of a professional termite control team for termite treatment.
Sometimes termites also carry out “exploratory feeding”, which causes damage to PVC casings and electrical copper wiring. As a result, damaged roofs, ceilings, wall-panel structures and furniture have to be replaced.
In most cases, the damages caused by termites are only detected at a later stage which results in costly repairs, annoyance and stress. Hence, opting for a termite inspection as soon as signs of an infestation are present is essential to keeping the damages at bay.
Termite problems causing damage? Hire us now to eliminate them efficiently and permanently with PestClinic’s Termite Solutions! For more information, call us at +65 6397 5677, or send us an email at info@pestclinic.com.sg
Signs of Termite Infestation
Subterranean Termites
- Shelter tubes that are made of soil and wood cemented together with the termite’s saliva and excrement
- Warped or uneven surface of wooded board or panel
- Extensive damage to the wooden structure and wood by-products
- Active soldier and worker termites
- Clicking sound caused by the soldier termites tapping their hardened heads on the wood they infested or the surface of their shelter tubes
Drywood Termites
- Piles of faecal pellets that are hard with 6 distinct concave surfaces on the elongated sides and rounded ends
- Damaged wood that had very low moisture content including movable wooden object etc. Pianos, furniture, doors, and door frames
What are the Termite Treatment and Control Methods in Singapore?
Termites are a common pest problem for many homeowners, causing damage to wooden structures and buildings. But don’t worry – there are many effective methods for termite removal that can protect your property and eliminate these pesky bugs for good. From traditional chemical treatments to cutting-edge heat treatments, there is a solution that can fit your specific needs. Don’t wait – take action now to protect your home from termite damage. Call us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the best termite removal methods for you!
Baiting System For Termite Removal
A thorough termite inspection will be carried out for the entire premises. All active subterranean termites found will be treated with Above-Ground Baits with close monitoring every 2 weeks until certified Non-Active.
The objective of termite baiting is to place a food source that contains toxicants. Foraging termites that find the baits will consume and share the food containing the toxicant with their nest mate including QUEEN and KING through a process called trophallaxis. Termite removal will take approximately 2-12 weeks depending on the size of the colony, typically between 6-8 weeks.
Above-Ground(AG) baiting system typically delivers baits with toxicants to the termite trails from exposed mud trails above ground.
In-Ground baiting system typically installed in the surrounding of the house (With Garden/Landscape). It acts as a monitoring station. Once termites are intercepted, toxicant bait will be placed in the station to eliminate the colony.
Termite Spot Treatment
A thorough termite inspection will be carried out for the entire premises. All active subterranean termites found will be treated with insecticide powder on the trails for short-term termite control using Ceptiva Powder – The Termite Eliminator.
The termite treatment powder containing a dose of toxicant is acquired by termites in the following means:
by direct application.
mouth to mouth feeding
grooming behaviour
during the repair and restorations of incised tunnels or opening on infested areas
through contamination of termite body by passing through the treated tunnels or infested wood.
Drywood Termite Control
- Drywood termite inspection will be carried out to identify the infestation point
- Thorough flushing through the point to create direct elimination
- The affected area will then be covered tightly with Plastic Sheets when the gaseous fumigant is applied
Corrective Treatment for Termites at Home (Landed Property)
A thorough termite inspection of the overall premises is conducted by our termite control company to identify the infestation areas. Termiticide dust treatment will be applied at the identified infested area. A detector is used to locate areas containing cables and pipes prior to the drilling. 8mm diameter holes within 300mm intervals. 5 litres of termiticide solution is applied by pressure into each drilled hole. Holes will be patched with granite and waterproof cement to seal up.
5 Years warranty will be provided upon the completion of the termite treatment.
Corrective Treatment for Termites at Home (Apartment)
This is a termite treatment solution specifically designed to protect and control damages caused by subterranean termites in apartment homes. It involves the treatment of wood in contact with floor joints or concrete walls using a termiticide solution. Our best termite control methods will ensure your apartment is free from termites once the entire treatment process ends.
A thorough termite inspection of the overall premise is conducted to identify infested areas. Termiticide dust is applied to infested areas. Drilling of 2mm diameter holes within 450 to 600mm intervals will be carried out along wooden skirting boards, door and window frames as well as behind cabinet bases. Termiticide solution is applied by pressure into each drilled hole. Holes will be patched and filled with coloured wooden fillers.
2 years warranty will be given upon completion of the termite treatment.
Roof Termite Treatment
The job involves carrying out blanket spraying to wood rafters at the roof ceiling structures using a termiticide solution. Two layers of blanket spraying will be conducted to enhance the protection of the wood against potential damages that can be caused by subterranean termites.
The 1-year warranty will be provided upon the completion of the termite treatment.
Soil Termite Treatment
This termite treatment solution is primarily installed during the pre-construction phase that involves creating an anti-termite barrier beneath the area where a building is to be constructed. Termiticides are applied before concrete slabs are laid on the ground, to prevent damages that can be caused by subterranean termites.
5 Years warranty will be provided upon the completion of the treatment.
Termite Detection Methods
Termite Detection using Termatrac T3i
This unique termite detection radar sends out radar through the most common wall materials that locate and track the presence of termites, without the need for tapping or drilling holes in the walls for easy and accurate termite treatment.
- Detects movement in or behind most surfaces
- Can be used to detect termites in hard-to-reach places
- Reads movement on a PDA up to 20 yards away from the source
- Allows for precise termite treatment
- Eliminates the need for post-inspection repairs
- More environmentally friendly as fewer chemicals need to be used.
Termite Detection using PestClinic Thermography Inspection System
This system is a powerful and non-invasive tool featuring high-resolution thermography and long-range night vision. It monitors and diagnoses the condition of the building structures and pest infestation.
This method allows the inspector to, in effect “See” and “Read” through building walls, floorboards and ceilings, uncovering hidden problems that may go undetected in an ordinary visual inspection.
- Non-Contact and Non-Invasive Termite Control Technique
- Give full image of the situation we cannot see with our naked eyes
- Identify & pinpoint the problems
- Detect various targets from 500m to 1500m
- Fast & real-time
- Save valuable time & money
Common Termite Species
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.
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 termites are much more difficult to remove because, unlike subterranean termites, they cannot be lured. Additionally, it is not possible to use bait to treat them as well.
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 a 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.
Primary (winged alates) and replacement (wingless, not heavily sclerotized) 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. After which, it takes several months before the eggs hatch.
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 a 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.
Primary (winged alates) and replacement (wingless, not heavily sclerotized) 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. After which, it takes several months before the eggs hatch.
3. Dampwood Termites
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.
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.
For more information on the costs of termite inspections, termite control, and termite removal in Singapore, contact us or visit our website.
It’s Important to get rid of termites immediately before more damage is done, call PestClinic now for an effective solution at +65 6397 5677, or email us via info@pestclinic.com.sg
PestClinic – Professional and Trusted Termite Control Services in Singapore
Termites can be challenging to eradicate; PestClinic understands this. Aerosol pesticide spraying can only kill worker and soldier termites that are scavenging outside of their nest. Unfortunately, you are unlikely to exterminate the remaining members of the colony as a mature termite nest typically contains 1 million occupants. If anything, the damage will continue unabated until it is too late if you instead compel them to resurface somewhere you are unable to detect their presence.
For residential, industrial, and commercial buildings in Singapore, rest assured that PestClinic comes equipped with the best termite control services.
The experienced team at PestClinic can best handle species-specific termite pest control as we focus on the infestation’s root cause. For long-term protection, we recommend to termite-proof your property with a barrier of termiticide around the building’s framework to keep termites out. After all, the best defence against termites remains prevention.
Engage PestClinic to help you get rid of termites now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are termites common in Singapore?
In Singapore, termite infestations occur often, and the majority of homes are susceptible to an attack. This is primarily due to Singapore’s humid and damp climate, in addition to the structure and design of the house.
How can you prevent termites?
To prevent termites from damaging your property, here are termite prevention tips to take into consideration:
- Foundation cracks: All crevices should be sealed as termites are able to enter into homes easily through cracks and fissures.
- Downpipes: Leaking pipes continuously produce moist conditions that are beneficial to termites.
- Roof tiles: Repair cracked roof tiles to prevent moisture from entering the home and luring termites.
- Debris adjacent to walls: Overgrown plants, wooden logs, and mulch found nearby that are attached to the house attract termites to reside and hide in.
Can you control termites yourself?
You may attempt to control termites by yourself through the do-it-yourself (DIY) termite treatment. However, it is not recommended since termite identification is a crucial component of effective termite management. Additionally, DIY termite traps are deemed ineffective because they risk causing termites to reroute and attack another part of your house. Thus, it would be best to engage professional services with the relevant skills and expertise for reliable termite control.
Can you spot treat drywood termites?
Drywood termites cannot be effectively eradicated with spot treatments as they are only able to reduce infestation. This is because it can be challenging to determine the number of termites that were treated, those that might survive the treatment, and where exactly the termites are residing when spot treating for termites. The colony can easily thrive inside untreated, concealed regions, even if only a couple of them survive a treatment.
How do you keep drywood termites from coming back?
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent drywood termites from coming back. However, since termite treatment is a very involved process, ongoing maintenance might help to keep them out.
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