Termites work silently, often eating away at wood from the inside. This makes it difficult to detect their presence until serious structural damage has already been done. The costs associated with termite damage repair are also substantial. In Singapore alone, termites cause an average of up to 4,000 SGD to repair the damage. Early intervention saves you a lot of money in the long run. Also, any homeowner doesn’t want their property to be compromised due to termites.
The statements above explain why to engage in professional termite treatment and prevention. But do you know when to hire them? This article will help you decide when to partner with termite or pest control services in Singapore.
Visible Termite Swarms or Discarded Wings
Termite swarms occur when reproductive termites (called) alates) leave their established colony to find mates and start a new colony. This means a mature colony is nearby, likely already infesting your home or property.
After swarming, termites shed their wings as they pair up to establish new colonies. Finding these discarded wings near windows, doors, or on windowsills strongly suggests that they have successfully found places to try and start new colonies nearby.
These two signs are not a guarantee, but these signs are cause for concern. Why? Because termites often work undetectably for extended periods before their presence becomes obvious. Swarming and discarded wings are one of the few visible signs you may get. In addition, the longer a termite colony goes untreated, the more significant the damage they can cause to your home’s structure.
What to Do
This is understandably alarming, but know that discovering these signs doesn’t mean your home is about to collapse. Collect samples of the swarmers or wings if possible. This will help a pest control professional identify the termite species.
The best step is to contact a trusted pest control company for a thorough inspection and targeted termite treatment plan.
Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundations
Mud tubes provide a safe and humid passage for termites to travel between their underground nest and your home, where they find food (wood). The tubes protect them from drying out and from predators. Aside from protection, termites use these tubes to explore new areas in search of food sources.
Why You Need a Professional
There are different species of termites (subterranean, drywood, etc.) and termite treatment methods are species-specific. A professional can correctly identify the type of termite you’re dealing with. In addition to identification, the following are other reasons why you would need the assistance of pest professionals:
- Termites often have their primary nest underground, out of sight. Professionals can locate the nest, which is essential for effective termite treatment.
- Professionals can assess the full extent of the infestation. It’s likely there is more damage than what’s visible from the mud tubes alone.
- Termite elimination requires specialised techniques and chemicals that professionals are trained to handle and apply safely.
- Professionals will not only eliminate the current infestation but help you establish termite prevention measures to reduce the risk of future termite activity.
Don’t Delay
Termites cause extensive structural damage in a short amount of time. The sooner you call in an expert, the better off your home will be. Don’t attempt DIY treatment, as this often only disturbs the termites without actually eliminating them. The cost of proper termite treatment after this DIY attempt may significantly drain your budget on pest control.
Hollow-sounding or Damaged Wooden Structures
Termites consume wood from the inside out, creating tunnels and hollowing out the structures. This unseen damage significantly weakens the wood’s integrity. And when the interior of wood is eaten away, tapping or knocking on it produces a hollow sound as opposed to the solid sound of healthy wood.
Why You Need Professional Help
While hollow wood is a strong sign, a professional can definitively confirm termite presence and accurately identify the specific species. This is crucial because different species require tailored treatment plans.
Termites may also have a large nest deep within your property. Pest professionals have specialised tools and experience to pinpoint the colony’s location, ensuring the entire infestation is eradicated, not just the visible damage.
Pest control professionals also have access to powerful termiticides and treatment methods that are not available to homeowners. They choose the best plan based on the severity of the infestation and the type of structure.
In addition to eliminating the current infestation, professionals can advise you on long-term termite prevention strategies like reducing moisture sources, sealing potential entry points, and recommending regular inspections.
Papery or Crumbling Drywall
Drywood termites live within wood and will eat away the drywall’s paper lining. This can cause the drywall to become thin, papery, and prone to crumbling. On the other hand, subterranean termites build mud tubes within walls to travel from their underground colonies. The moisture and activity can damage drywall, causing it to weaken and crumble.
What may be Other Reasons Aside from Termite Activity
Termites are a prime suspect when you notice papery or crumbling drywall. But you should not rule out other possibilities. Persistent leaks can lead to mould and decaying drywall, causing a similar crumbling effect. Foundation setting can also sometimes put stress on walls, which may lead to cracking and crumbling drywall.
Why You Need a Professional
A pest control expert can distinguish between termite damage and other causes. If termites are confirmed as the cause of crumbling drywall, they often hide deep within a structure. Specialists can find the main colony and hidden access points.
Professionals can also choose the most effective treatment based on the termite species and the extent of the infestation. This often involves more than just localised repairs. They can advise on prevention methods to stop future termite problems, so you can save your precious walls before pests get to them.
Tight-fitting Doors or Windows
Termites feed on the cellulose in wood and thrive in moist environments. As they eat and tunnel through door and window frames, the wood can warp and expand due to the extra moisture they introduce. This warping causes the doors and windows to become tight-fitting, making them difficult to open and close.
This problem is often linked to subterranean termites, which bring more moisture from the ground into the structures they infest. And yes, termites are a possible culprit, but don’t forget to factor in other considerations like:
- Humidity
- Foundation problems
Why You Might Need a Professional
A pest control expert can help determine if the issue is caused by termites or other factors. If it’s indeed termites, they may have caused damage within the frames that isn’t visible to the naked eye. A professional can assess the full extent of the problem.
Visible Termite Droppings (Frass)
Visible termite droppings, also called frass) are a strong sign that you have an active termite infestation. The appearance of the dropping helps identify if you’re dealing with drywood or subterranean termites.
- Drywood termites leave small, hard, pellet-shaped droppings that are often reddish-brown.
- Subterranean termite droppings are mud-like since they mix it with soil.
Where you find the droppings indicates where the termites are active. If you see them near wooden structures, that’s where they’re feeding.
Why You Need Professional Help
Termites can cause extensive damage before they’re discovered. A professional can assess the situation and determine the severity of the infestation. Also, there are different species of termites, and the termite treatment plan needs to be tailored specifically to address the type of termite you have.
Lastly, a pest control specialist can not only eliminate the current infestation but also recommend preventative measures to keep termites from returning in the future. Note: the sooner you address the problem, the less the termite treatment and prevention cost.
What to do next
Don’t disturb the droppings. Keep a sample for the professional to identify. Then, engage a pest control company in Singapore you can trust and schedule an inspection.
Unexplained Cracks or Crevices in Wooden Surfaces
This sign is in connection to hollow-sounding and damaged wooden structures. Termites, especially subterranean termites, create tunnels within the wood as they feed on it. This weakens the wood’s structure and can cause it to crack along the path of their tunnels.
When termites are ready to swarm or expand a colony, they may make small exit holes through the wood’s surface. These look like tiny cracks or crevices. Extensive termite damage can cause wood to warp or buckle, leading to cracks and irregularities on the surface.
Conclusion
Early intervention in a termite infestation is crucial to prevent further damage to your home. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals, especially the best termite control service provider in Singapore that you know, even if you are unsure or only see small signs.
Avalon Services is ready to help with your concerns about termite prevention and treatment costs in Singapore. Contact us to get a free quote!
