Termites, also known as white ants, are insects that feed on the cellulose of wood. A termite infestation threatens the integrity of wood structures, and cause wooden furniture to be brittle, and look unsightly. As a result, a termite infestation is a problematic situation that should be solved immediately.

As termites are small, it can be challenging to identify them. However, their presence can be confirmed by the traces they leave behind. Termites build mud tubes near their site of activities, so spotting these mud tubes in your house would mean you have a termite problem on hand! Other signs you may have a termite problem include visible damage to your wooden items, and a hollow sound upon knocking on your wooden furniture.

To better detect and identify the termites that may be lurking in your home, here is a quick guide on the types of termites found in Singapore.

• Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites live in colonies of up to 2 million organisms. They thrive in warm, humid regions of the world, which includes Singapore. Subterranean termites earn their name because they build their nests in the soil underground. The best way to spot the presence of subterranean termites is by the mud tubes they construct. The mud tubes are their means of transport from their nest to their feeding area –  in other words, your wooden structures. These tubes also serve as protection for the insects.

• Dampwood Termites

Dampwood termites make their homes out of damp and decaying wood. That is why they are found in moist, humid areas, and in corners of the home where moisture collects. So, take note of wooden structures near leaky pipes in your homes, because these are the best breeding grounds for dampwood termites! The way to spot dampwood termites is by their faecal material. The waste they leave behind near the holes in wooden furniture appear as small piles of pellets that are soft, damp, and uniform in shape and size.

• Drywood Termites

Drywood termites inhabit undecayed wood that is low in moisture content. Often found in wooden floors, furniture, and even books, drywood termites do not require soil to survive. As they nest inside the wood itself, they are difficult to detect at first. However, they can be identified by the faecal pellets that they leave around. In contrast to the faeces of dampwood termites, the faecal matter of drywood termites are dry and hard.

Regardless of the type of termites, a termite infestation can cause severe damage to property in your home. To reduce the possibility of termites entering your home, it is advisable to keep your home free from potential nesting spots. Thus, hoarding old newspapers, books, or wooden materials in moist or poorly circulated areas is a big no-no. Regular checks are necessary for early detection of termite problems in your home. In the case of damage already suffered, it is in the best interests of your home to dispose of the infested item without further ado.

As it is difficult to detect and conduct a complete elimination on your own, a professional pest control company can help you fully remove the pests from your home. Technology such as thermography will be undertaken to locate active colonies of termites, and strategies such as baiting will be used to kill off the insects. Your pest controller can also advise you on corrective measures to prevent future infestations to your home. Contrary to what you may expect, termite removal services in Singapore are affordable. It will be worth your every penny