Termites

Termites are eco-friendly insects eating into rotting trees and fertilizing the soil.

However, development has deprived termites of their natural habitat dan these insects are finding their way into homes,  forcing house owners to spend thousands of ringgit engaging pest control companies to treat their homes.

The termites destroy clothes, books and wood panels and even entire homes. Tell-tale signs of infestation - mud trails along the wall.

Termites break down the wood and take it back to build their nest. Their nests are below the ground and this makes it easier for them to move from one house to another.

Many opt to treat the problem themselves. They use a system whereby the insects are lured into a box placed on the wall near the infected area. The box is filled with chemicals and when the insects come into contact with the chemicals, they carry it back to the nest. It will slowly kill the colony.

This method is considered a passive, costly and not that effective in keeping the termites away. Termites do not mix with other colonies so only the infected colony will be killed.

However, seeking professional help may be a better decision. They have the means to deal with the problem at the source using thermal imaging detectors. Termites emit heat and this makes it easy for the detector to find the heat trail along the walls. Another way to check on the trail is to use a stethoscope since the termites make noise when they eat.    

Prevention is always better than cure. Treatment is necessary before building a house. Most developments these days have pre-construction treatment as part of their project.

They treat the soil with a chemical barrier before casting the floor slab.Then they do the post-construction treatment, which also involves the same technique. It is the most cost-effective way compared with other methods.  

The chemicals used these days have a warranty of five years and most of it are environment-friendly. Holes are punctured around the perimeters of the house and the chemical is pumped inside with water. The holes are later covered with cement, matching the colour of the tiles.

The post construction chemical barrier treatment cost for a 20ft x 50 ft house costs between RM1,500 and RM3,000 while the baiting system would cost about RM2,500.

It is best to join forces with the neighbours to get the treatment. If your neighbour has done the treatment, the termites will definitely make their way to your house. In order to get the best treatment, home owners should engaged the services of certified pest control companies.

How to detect termite infestation?

1. Look for mud trails along the wall. Do not disturb or spray it with insecticide as the termites will then look for new locations to destroy.
2. Knock on wooden panels, if it sound hollow then the insides have been foraged by the termites.
3. Check on bulging door frames that do not shut properly.
4. Termites can usually be found in door and window frames, parquet floor, baseboard skirting, bathroom area, built in cabinets and roof.
5. Look out for insect sounds from inside the walls. Termites make noises when feeding.     

 How to prevent termites from infesting your house?

1. Do not build up soil or garden beds against the house.
2. Do not stack timber or other materials against the house.
3. Do not store wooden materials beneath the house.
4. Fix leaking downpipes and gutters and ensure good drainage around and under the house.
5. Allow adequate sub-floor ventilation.
6. Have a regular, at least annual, inspections by your licensed pest control operator.

 (Source: The Pest Control Association of Malaysia)