Any pest issue can be a nuisance. While some pests get on your nerves, termite infestations can be extremely worrying. Termites have the ability to cause structural damage that can lead to costly repairs, which are not covered by most home insurance policies.
It is essential and crucial to take quick actions by adopting an effective termite control solution when a termite infestation happens. Bingo Pest compiles a list of frequently-asked questions and facts about termite control to help property owners identify termites and help you address an infestation.
What are Termites?
Termites are a group of social insects that feed on cellulose, a fibre that is commonly found in wood and paper. These insects are usually small and pale-coloured and exist in over 2,000 species. The most common termite species in Singapore include:
Subterranean Termites
Drywood Termites
Dampwood Termites
Termites live in a large colony with different roles and tasks including reproduction, defence and foraging for food. The various types of termites include:
Termite queen: Responsible for reproduction and growth of the termite colony. She is the largest member and is capable of producing up to 25 eggs per minute or 30,000 eggs per day! She is constantly attended to by other termite members in the colony who groom and feed her to protect her health and longevity.
Termite king: Some termite colonies will have multiple kings, while others have only one. The primary role of a termite king is to mate with the queen and fertilise her egg. He is focused on the reproduction and establishment of the colony.
Soldiers: Their main responsibility is to defend the colony against threats and predators including ants. The termite soldiers are involved in protecting the members from harm and play an important role in the survival and success of the colony.
Workers: They make up the most number in a termite colony. They are responsible for foraging and gathering food, nest building and maintenance, as well as feeding and caring for the young. Overall, the termite workers play an important role in the day-to-day tasks and ensuring the functioning of the colony.
How Can I Tell if I Have Termites in My Home?
A termite infestation may go unnoticed until signs of infestation appear. Some telltale signs of termites at home include:
Mud tubes that run from ground to the wood that they are feeding on. These termite mud tubes are often found on walls, concrete slabs and other surfaces.
Presence of termite swammers or alates around lights, windows, doors or surfaces near the nest.
Damaged wood or structure that may be hollow.
Clicking sound that occurs when termites bang their heads against walls to alert the colony of dangers.
Presence of frass or grainy termite droppings near wooden furniture, structures, doors or places with suspected termite activities.
Tight-fitting doors or windows from weakened and sagged wood and structure.
A professional pest control company can help accurately identify a termite infestation after carrying out a detailed inspection. If you suspect a termite infestation, it is important to schedule an inspection as soon as possible to protect your property against further damages.
What Happens if Termites Go Untreated?
Untreated termite infestations can spread throughout the property and lead to severe damages. Furthermore, it may cause serious safety repercussions. It may be unsafe to carry out any daily activities in the property as it eventually becomes dangerous. In serious cases, termite damages may result in weakened structure, causing beams, roof and false ceilings to collapse. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a termite control company if you spot signs of a termite infestation.
How Can I Prevent a Termite Infestation?
Prevention is always better than cure. It is easier to prevent pest activities than trying to get rid of them. Property owners can adopt the following termite prevention measures to avoid a termite infestation:
Reduce the use of wooden material in your home decor and minimise the number of wooden furniture.
Consider applying and installing a layer of termite barriers and treating soil with termiticide when building or reconstructing your property.
Minimise moisture in your property and keep wood dry by fixing leaks, faucets or pipes.
Seal up cracks, crevices and entry points that may encourage termites from invading your property.
Be vigilant about signs of termite activity and establish a professional termite control as soon as signs of an infestation surface.
Establish a regular termite inspection programme with a professional pest control expert to eliminate potential termite infestations and prevent any existing termite issue from worsening.
Besides termites, there are also several other ways to prevent pests from invading your property. Discover how you can pest-proof your property.
What Are My Options for Termite Control?
You will need to take steps to get rid of termites and prevent them from recurring if you are experiencing and encountering a termite infestation on your property. Here are some termite control options and methods available in Singapore:
Chemical treatments: It involves the use and application of liquid termiticide around your home, inside walls and skirting boards, or directly on wood.
Baiting systems: Placing bait stations around your property to encourage termites to feed on and bring back to the colony. While it can take longer to work, it will eventually lead to a total eradication of termites.
Barrier treatments: It creates a physical barrier around your home as liquid termiticide is injected into the ground, along the perimeter of your property. The treatment may be effective, but may not be suitable for all properties.
Non-chemical treatments: The use of natural ingredients such as orange oil to repel termites. However, most DIY treatments do not have scientific data about the effectiveness against pests.
It is important to note that termite control can be complex, and is often best left to the professionals. Learn more about termite control treatments and the price of termite control here.
How Long Does Termite Control Take?
The amount of time taken to control a termite infestation depends on several factors. They include:
Size of property
Severity of infestation
Type of termite control treatment used
In general, some treatments require multiple visits from a pest control professional over the course of several days to weeks, to ensure that all the termites and their colonies are eradicated. On the other hand, termite treatment such as the baiting programme, though effective over time, may take several months for the termites to feed on.
It is important to note that termite control is not a one-time solution. Furthermore, frequent monitoring and inspection, as well as preventive measures are still required to ensure that termites do not re-infest the property.
Can Termites Come Back After Treatment?
It is possible for a termite infestation to happen again, even after treatments. The longevity of a termite treatment depends largely on factors such as the type of treatment used and the necessary precautions taken against a recurring termite infestation.
Generally, it is crucial to ensure a total elimination of termites in the first place. Getting rid of the source of infestation and removing the termite colony completely can help to improve the effectiveness of termite control. Therefore, to minimise the risk of termites returning after the treatment, it is essential to work with an experienced pest control professional and follow their recommendations and strategies on termite prevention.
What is The Average Termite Control Price in Singapore?
There are various factors affecting the cost of termite control in Singapore. In general, the price is dependent on the extensiveness of the termite control treatment, size and type of your property, level of termite infestation and warranty coverage. Essentially, termite control for condominium or HDB may be less expensive than that of a landed or commercial property.
To give an estimated guide, the price of termite control can range from SGD $600 to SGD $2,500 for a high rise residential unit. On the other hand, it can range from SGD $1,000 to SGD $7,500 for an average-sized landed or commercial unit.
Besides the cost, property owners should consider other factors when choosing a termite control specialist. It is essential to work with a reputable and experienced company that offers safe and effective treatment methods. Learn tips to choose the best pest control operator in Singapore.
Establish a Termite Control Programme in Singapore with Bingo Pest
At Bingo Pest, we provide an extensive range of termite pest control solutions that cater to different budget needs and requirements. We possess the knowledge, equipment and tools required for a successful and effective control against termites. Speak with our experienced termite control specialist to request for a quotation today. Call us at 6517 9989 or drop us an online enquiry today.
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