Thermal Imaging
Termite Inspection for Residential and Commercial Property
April 14, 2023
Cockroach
Defence Against Cockroach in Singapore
April 24, 2023
Show all

Learn More About Drywood Termites

Learn more about drywood termites

Learn More About Drywood Termite

Drywood Termites

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.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Drywood Termite Signs

drywood termites

 Faint Nails Tapping Noises

While it takes a bit of a training for the ear to identify, Termites actually make quite a racket when alarmed. From busy feasting to head banging against the hollowed wood material to alarm the colony of danger, Termite infestations can be detected by listening for faint clicking sounds in the wall.

Flying Termites with Wings

Another easy identifier is the presence of their shed wings. The colony requires swarmers to reproduce and grow a new colony, flying Termites or Alates leaves evidence of their veiny wings is a sign of a Drywood Termite infestation.

The Sighting of “White Ants”

Not everyone don’t realise it, but the Termites species actually do look similar to ants and the biggest difference is that Termites have light cream-coloured bodies, straight antennae, and they have thicker mid sections.

Knocking Wood Sounds Hollow

While the target is to eradicate Termites before they get too far into the infestation, the “red flag” that you have a serious Termite infestation is the sound of knocking it creates on the hollowed wood. As Drywood Termites eat from the inside then out leaving a thin layer of wood to move around.

Frass: Termite Droppings

One of the most clear signs of infestation is the presence of frass (Termite Faeces). Unlike Subterranean Termites, Drywood Termites don’t use their droppings to build their Mud Tubes or Mud Trails but instead, they work their way through and around your property. They dump their frass by kicking them out of the tunnels around the infested areas of your property. The fecal pallet are similar in shape and looks like a powdery substance.

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.

Best Termite Control Solution For Drywood Termite

Guide to Drywood Termite Control Singapore

Wood drywood termite feed on

Protect your home from swarming Termites (Alate) as they fly into buildings structures and will infest wood directly. They would typically infest on exposed wood first such as kitchen cabinets, windows or door frames, trim, and roof attics. Take note: This is the only time you will see termites flying. After mating, the male and female termite’s wings will drop.

Keep windows and doors closed to prevent flying Termites. This is the best way possible to get rid of flying Termites. These Termites are actively searching for a place to build a new colony. Early detection for signs of Termites by Innovative Pest Control Services is the best solution to avoid any potential Termite damages.

How to get rid of Drywood Termites infesting second-hand furnitures, picture frames, or wooden materials?

It is ideal to check thoroughly before making purchase, be sure to look for little holes on the surface of the wood or if it makes a hollow sound when knocked on. Drywood Termite droppings are about 1mm long and coloured according to the wood being eaten. Unlike Subterranean Termites, Drywood Termite faecal pellets exits the mud tubes and commonly spotted in a pile.

The most successful methods of control is by fumigation or local treatment or replacement of the infested wood and kill termites. Fumigation is highly recommended if infestations are widespread and/ or difficult to access.

Fazly Ahmad
Fazly Ahmad
Hello, and welcome to our pest control company blog! I'm fazly, and I'm thrilled to be sharing my expertise with you. With years of experience in the industry, I've seen it all when it comes to pests and how to get rid of them.
Translate »
×

Let's Chat

Let us know how we can help you.
For any urgent pest issue, call us directly at 69090988

× Connect With Us