More than just regular insects, termites are insidious pests that cause severe nuisance to every home and office they reside in. Notoriously known for their ability to destroy, these insects feed on wood, dead material and decaying plants to get their cellulose and nutrients. On top of causing severe structural damage to any residential or commercial building, their numbers can go out of control if not managed. Termite queens lay an enormous number of eggs, typically between 11 million eggs annually, and can lay 165 million eggs in their lifetime. They can quickly infest an entire home in no time, which is why it is vital to know how to identify and remove a termite infestation. Let us explore the common types of termites found in Singapore and the practical solutions available to you to prevent an infestation.
Types of Termites in Singapore
The most common termite species found in Singapore are as follows:
Dry wood termites
Dry wood termites are less common than the other types of termites in Singapore. They are commonly found in dry wood, such as beams and boards, and are usually easy to detect. However, they reproduce extremely quickly, with a single female termite capable of laying up to 200 to 300 eggs every month for a year. Therefore, it is imperative that you identify and get rid of them as soon as possible.
Subterranean termites
These termites are typically found underground, and they are the most common type of termites in Singapore. Subterranean termites are notoriously tricky to get rid of due to their robust reproductive cycle that can last for over a year. Similar to dry wood termites, it is advisable to keep a sharp eye for these pests.
Damp wood termites
Damp wood termites are incredibly fond of wet wood, as it is easier for them to infest the wooden carvings. They usually feed on wooden materials with high moisture content, such as utility poles and furniture. It is easier to get rid of damp wood termites compared to the other two species as they have small colonies.
How to prevent a termite infestation
There are several practical methods you can utilise to prevent termite infestation, such as:
- Fix any fluid leakage as soon as possible
- Make sure there is no blockage in the vents
- Fill any cracks with caulk, grout or cement.
- Conduct regular maintenance in and around your house and ensure it is free from moisture.
Termite treatment options
Prevention is the best cure but should you still discover any termites in your home, you need not panic. Depending on the severity of the infestation, there are different fixes available to you. Let us share a few pest control solutions with you.
1. Spot treatment
This method only provides temporary relief and may not eradicate the root cause of your termite infestation. However, it is an efficient solution if the infestation in your house is not severe. It involves applying the affected areas with termiticide, a type of insecticide that works to effectively eliminate termites.
You can also use this treatment for any impacted wooden furniture. You can then strategically place termite baits around the surrounding areas to ambush these pests.
2. Enhanced protection treatment
This treatment utilises a drilling technique that injects termiticide around your home’s surrounding areas to eliminate any termite colony nestling underneath. This method is complemented with the shrewd placement of baits inside and above the ground to lure any unsuspecting termites into these traps.
Should you find yourself constantly plagued with termite issues, it may be best to engage the services of a pest control company and inquire about their termite treatment cost. They are the most efficient way to get rid of a termite problem, one that is effective and safe.
Conclusion
The humid weather condition in Singapore is conducive for pests such as termites. As such, it is relatively common to find such insects roaming around your property. Keep these preventive and removal measures in mind, so you can stop an infestation from brewing in your home.
