Did you know termites cause up to RM400 million in property damage every year? That’s countless levels of floors, walls, and ceilings reduced to dust due to a mere pest.
Basic knowledge about termite infestation and how it affects your home could save you stress, heartache and money. Here’s all you need to know about termite infestations in Malaysia.
What are termites?
Termites are tiny insects known for their relentless appetite for wood and dead plants. Most are white or cream in colour with soft unsegmented bodies and straight antennae, while some are winged or darker in shade.
They are also commonly known as white ants, although both are inherently different insects and treatment for each is not the same.
Termites tend to inhabit dark, humid confines such as hollow wood, cracks, beams and under floorboards as they eat away into the foundation of your home.
All termite species work in a caste system, beginning with the king and queen that are responsible for rapidly reproducing.
A queen termite can lay up to 1,000 eggs a day. Worker termites help build their nest and sustain the colony by finding food. Then there are soldier ants that defend the colony by biting down with their large pincer jaws.
There are four common types of termites in Malaysia:
- Subterranean termites
This species is notoriously the most destructive type of termite. They thrive in moist environments and can be found underground, hence the name.
Their usual method of entry is by digging tunnels under the house and accessing the foundation through tiny gaps. Other points of entry include cracks in porches, back doors, sidewalks or corridors, as well as other areas close to the foundation.
- Drywood termites
While these termites do not need moisture, their colony’s growth is exacerbated by higher humidity levels. They are found within hollow wood and possess the capability to cause great structural damage.
Drywood termites simply fly towards wood and begin infesting it. Common targets for infestation are cracks around door and window frames, furniture, beams and walls.
- Dampwood termites
Dampwood termites, as the name suggests, seek high levels of moisture. They tend to hollow out damp wood and can also be found outdoors inhabiting moist plants and trees.
Target areas include damp furniture in gardens, porches and patios.
- Conehead termites
These termites literally have cone-shaped heads. Like subterranean termites, they build tunnels to get around, though theirs are wider.
These termites typically infest wooden beams, walls and floors.
What attracts them?
Termites feed on substances that have cellulose, primarily wood, and are also attracted to other damp and softened materials. It is therefore crucial to address leaks or other issues around the house that might create a moist environment.
As termites live in dark and humid places, they are extremely difficult to spot. There are, however, some tell-tale signs of termite infestation in your home:
- Sound of munching wood
Termites are notoriously noisy eaters, so there will usually be the sound of movement and consumption in infested areas of the home. Soldier termites even bang their heads on the wood when they sense danger to alert the colony.
- Mud tubes
Subterranean termites build tubes made of mud as a bridge or protective shield to travel back and forth between colonies and the wood they are eating. They can commonly be found on the edges or surfaces of walls.
- Wings
If you see flying ants or discarded wings on the floor, it’s a possible sign of infestation. Male and female termites shed their wings once they have built their nest.
Termite wing shedding is one the most common indicators of a colony nearby.
- Frass or termite droppings
Termite droppings, also known as frass, typically look like a brown powder. It’s basically leftover dry wood shavings that homeowners tend to brush off as dirt.
Termite droppings can be found on the ground beside or beneath wooden structures.
- Doors and windows that are hard to open
Tight windows and doors are usually caused by hot and damp weather, but another reason could be termites. The moisture these bugs produce while tunnelling and chewing through wood causes the frames to swell and disintegrate.
- Hollow-sounding wood
Try knocking on wooden door frames, walls or floors, and if it sounds hollow, it could indicate an infestation. Termites go through every inch of the wood inside, leaving only the outer layer and painted surface.
Check out part two of this article, which discusses ways of eradicating termite infestations as well as answers your frequently asked questions.
This article originally appeared on Recommend.my – Malaysia’s #1 Home Improvement Services Platform. Recommend.my offers a safer and more convenient way to hire the best home improvement and home maintenance professionals. From flooring to interior design to air-conditioner servicing, get access to thousands of the best local contractors and professionals at your fingertips.