Some of these species are called “white ants” due to their colour and look. Termites are social insects that lives in colonies consisting of reproductive, workers, soldiers of both sexes. They have tiny soft bodies, strong biting mouth parts, short cerci and antennae with 9-30 segments. Termites are amongst the most common insects on Earth with global population measuring in the trillions.

Termites are mainly tropical or subtropical insects that feeds on wood, fresh leaves, leaf litters or soil. They are grouped according to their feeding or habitat preferences. Drywood Termites including some depending on the species are pest species of buildings as they do not require contact with the ground. Termites are blind, they manoeuvres with their straight antennae and follow paths through pheromones.

To maintain and guard their nests, termites have evolved a reproductive strategy that provides both a workforce and soldiers. The workers are sterile and make up make up most of the colony, carrying out nest building and. repair duties, foraging, taking care of the eggs and nymphs and caring for the queen. In lower termites, there may not be a distinct caste system, and nymphs often undertake these duties.

The “primary reproductives” possess two pairs of flying termite wings, and will become the founders of a new termite colony. After the “nuptial” flight period, Alate discard their wings and mate, they become king and queens. The start of a new colony can take up to two years to establish. The queen termite can grow up to 90mm and in some species can produce an egg every three seconds.

Termites build nests, fallen wood or above below ground, in order to shelter the colony. Termite mounds are constructed from soil excavated in the course of digging underground tunnels, or from soil and sand collected on the surface, mixed with saliva and faeces. The interior has an intricate network of tunnels, mud tubes and galleries for movement, and in some type of termite the cultivation of fungi. To maintain airflow and an even temperature, vents lead off from tunnels.

While all Termites are extremely dangerous, Drywood Termites poses the biggest threat to Residential and Commercial property in Singapore. Unlike other insects, Drywood Termites builds a colony and reside in wood fixture or structural wooden materials to feeding on. This means that it is even harder to spot them and can cause unimaginable damage to the foundation of your property before you even notice their existence.

This is why proactive Termite Control is so important for property owners in Singapore. You know what people say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and this is true when it comes to termites.