A downside of being situated in the tropics is that pests love our living conditions. This is regardless of wherever you are in Singapore — there’s always a chance of an infestation no matter how pristine a place looks.
One such pest that’s notorious for this is the termite. They may not be known for causing diseases, but these small but terrible creatures can still be health hazards if we don’t do something about them.
Here’s a quick guide to help spot an early termite problem so you can call a pest control company in Singapore on time.
Why Catching Termites Early is Critical
Do you remember when several homes in Potong Pasir had a power outage back in 2022? This happened because a termite colony managed to infest a substation long enough and cause serious damage to the cabling.
Likewise, when a tree fell down on an unfortunate jogger in Marsiling Park years ago, everyone thought the tree looked fine until investigations uncovered that it was thoroughly eaten out from the inside.
When we don’t pay close attention to the signs, termites can threaten the integrity of the structures around us. Not only would it cost our families and businesses a lot of money on property repairs, but it could also endanger our lives.
How to Catch an Infestation Before It’s Too Late
So, how can we tell if there are termites on our properties? Let’s check out some warning signs:
There are Mud Tubes Present
Many termite species create pencil-thin tubes made of mud to travel between their nests and food sources. You can typically find them along the walls or foundations. If you have any crawl spaces on your property, you should have them checked too.
Hollow-sounding Wood or Drywall
Since termites eat wood and other objects that have cellulose, one of the first things you should check is the wooden surfaces in the building. These include the beams, floorboards, and interior walls. Knocking on an infested material will produce a hollow sound.
Stuck Windows or Doors
When termites damage parts near the doors and windows, they can cause the material to warp. This makes it difficult to open them as you normally would.
Noises In the Walls
You may also hear soft click sounds on the walls if there’s an infestation. This either means the termites are chewing through or there are soldier termites signalling to the others.
Sawdust-like Droppings
Do you notice small piles of what seem to be sawdust or wood shavings? What you likely have is frass, which is the droppings left behind by termites after digesting wood. They often gather around infested sites.
Always Let Pest Control Experts Deal With Termites
There’s a wealth of DIY termite inspection and prevention tips out there. But if you do notice any of the signs listed above, it’s still best to contact your pest control company in Singapore. They’re far more well-equipped to detect the extent of your termite problem, such as by using techniques such as:
- A full visual inspection of all possible areas that can have termite activity.
- Checking the moisture level in materials through moisture meters. High moisture levels indicate conditions that attract the pests.
- Borescopes are small optic cables that let pest control specialists check inside the infested area, such as a wall cavity.
- Thermal imaging cameras can detect heat signatures inside materials that can indicate hidden termite colonies.
After they determine how severe your termite issues are, the pest control professionals can develop an appropriate treatment plan that won’t endanger you or your property any further.
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Take Action Today to Protect Your Property Tomorrow
Termites love it when you procrastinate — it means they have more time to chew on your property and cause more problems later on. So if you suspect any signs today, don’t wait any longer to tell your pest control company in Singapore. The sooner they can treat your termite troubles, the less you have to worry about in the future.