How do termite enter your home and how do you prevent them?

termitepromy
Mar 2, 2022
4 min read

Updated: Mar 3, 2022

Learn some simple ways that you can do to prevent termite from infesting your home

Termite rely on cellulose to survive and they are attracted to moisture

Subterranean termite is the most commonly found and also the most destructive termite species in Malaysia. Annually they have caused an estimated of RM40 million in damages. There are some ways that you can do to reduce the chance of inviting termite to your property.

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to termite infestation due to the tremendous damage can be done by them.

Understand how do termites enter your house and what measure you can take to prevent them.

Termite enter From Below

Subterranean termite colonies live underground. They typically enter homes at ground level or below, but they can build mud tubes to enter spots several feet above ground level.

One of the most common ways termites get in your home is through ground contact, including doorframes, kitchen cabinet, wooden floor, plumbing system, electric system. Subterranean termites also enter homes through cracks in the foundation and cracks in brick. Sometimes, they even use the holes in concrete blocks to travel through foundation walls.

Subterranean termite prevention focuses on addressing trouble spots, such as reducing wooden material laying on the floor, reduce moisture damage, and monitoring for signs of activity.

Termite enter from above

Termite may also enter your house as swarmers (alates), swarmers are flying reproductive termites. Their main purpose is to establish a new colony. They usually enter your house through the door gap and windows. Once they managed to find a suitable area, they begin producing eggs to build their colony. Within a couple of years, this colony can grow to a size capable of causing serious wood damage in your home.

Preventive measure you can take to prevent them

Tip #1 - REPAIR WATER LEAKING PROBLEM

Pay attention to any leaks or decay in your house. Decayed roofs and moisture-laden walls work as perfect hosts for termites. Fix and seal the leakages promptly and carry out frequent inspections especially your ceilings or every corners of your house. These spots usually get overlooked and are the first ones to attract pests. A leakage on the ceilings can be especially inviting since it makes it easier for termites to attack the spot.

Tip #2 - REMOVE ALL UNWANTED CELLULOSE MATERIAL INSIDE YOUR HOME

It is important to carry out a decluttering drive in your house. Pay special attention to useless papers, cardboards, old magazines and newspapers since these provide a great environment for pests like termites to thrive. If one of your rooms has been attacked by termites, make sure to never take the stuff including furniture stored in that room to other parts of your house that are not affected by the termites.

"Termite feed on cellulose, the most common naturally occurring compound on earth, is the organic substance which gives structure to plants.

Tip #3 - REMOVE DEAD TREES, BRANCHES, AND SHRUBS FROM THE PROPERTY.

Walk around your garden to see if there are any dead frees or fallen branches on the ground. Termite nest is mostly under the soil and they travel underneath. Deadwood attracts termites because its primary purpose is to assist in the decay process of dead trees, shrubs, and branches. Remove all the unwanted wood in your garden to reduce the food source available for termite.

Tip #4 - TREAT YOUR WOODEN FURNITURE OR FENCE IN THE GARDEN

Boric acid is one of the most popular termite repellents. You can spray borate on any wood in your garden. It soaks into the wood and essentially prevents termites from attacking and nibbling on it. However due to the harsh outdoor environment, you will have to repeat the process every once in a while.

Tip #5 - DO HAVE ANNUAL TERMITE INSPECTIONS PERFORMED.

Just because termites are not a problem today, it does not mean they won’t become one a year from now. Part of the inspection process is to identify any termite colonies already on your property and determine what treatments you can use to keep them from spreading to your home.

Tip #6 - CREATE AN ANTI TERMITE BARRIER SURROUNDING YOUR HOUSE

As termite crawl through the soil to enter your house, the best way to prevent termite is by creating an anti termite barrier using termiticide. Termite barrier works by injecting termiticide deep into the soil. The termiticide is a non repellent substances, when termite comes into contact to the treated area, they unwary bring the substances back to their colony and infected all other termite including the Queen. Anti Termite barrier usually last more than 5 years, and it only require minimal cost charge by us. It helps home owner save cost in the long run.

Tip #7 - INSTALLING TERMITE INTECEPTOR STATION AROUND YOUR PROPERTY

Termite Interceptor allows homeowner to monitor their surrounding for termite activity. The station usually consists of some wood act as food source for termite to consume. Regular inspection is require to ensure termite activity is detected earlier on before they spread to the surrounding area.

Early Detection can help you save a lot of unnecessary repair cost

While houses do not attract termites actively, when termites find them they are quick to come in. You'll need to take measures to help keep an infestation from happening in your home. Usually, termite infestations are only spotted after they've become severe. There are some simple ways that you can learn to detect termite infestation earlier.