Nicknamed “white ants” for their ant-like build, termites pose a serious threat to buildings. Unlike true ants, these soft-bodied, pale insects boast powerful jaws that chomp through wood, causing major structural damage if left unchecked by professionals. Gauteng’s climate creates a haven for two main termite culprits: subterranean and harvester termites. While subterranean termites target any wood within structures, harvester termites wreak havoc on lawns, leaving behind telltale circles of bare earth.
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Do You Need Termite Control? Here’s How to Tell
Termites are secretive creatures. Unlike ants, they live underground and rely on staying connected to soil or moisture. Their presence isn’t always obvious, but the damage they cause can be.
That’s why most people, just like you, call pest control professionals like us. We have the expertise to identify signs of termites and recommend the best solution for your situation.
However, there are several tell tail signs which indicate the presence of termites, namely:
- Hollow-sounding wood: Skirting boards, door frames, or cupboards might sound hollow when tapped. These areas can become very soft and easily damaged by applying light pressure with your finger or a tool.
- Swarmers after rain: Look for flying ants appearing after the first summer rains. These may have wings or be wingless. You might also find piles of discarded wings nearby. Unlike typical white ants, these swarmers are much darker in color.
- Mud tubes on wood: Wooden structures may have mud tubes attached to them, indicating the presence of tunnels within the wood created by termites.
- Soil piles near wood: Small heaps of loose soil might be found next to skirting boards, door frames, or around the outside perimeter of your house.
- Bare patches in the lawn: Patches of bare, round cut grass surrounded by healthy grass could be a sign of termite activity.
Why is Termite Control Required?
Termites are destructive eaters, targeting any wood product containing cellulose. This includes cupboards, skirting boards, doors, frames, and even your roof rafters! What’s worse, they eat from the inside out, leaving just a thin shell of wood or paint behind. This offers NO structural integrity, putting your home at risk.
Because of the hidden nature of their damage, swift termite control is crucial. Remember, most insurance companies typically do not cover termite damage, so taking action quickly can save you a significant headache (and expense) down the line.
How to Control Termites
This is where we as the Pest Control Pros come in! We offer free termite inspections to assess your situation. Based on our findings, we’ll provide recommendations and develop a personalized termite control plan. For subterranean termites, the trick is to eliminate their nests. This involves drilling targeted holes through your foundation, specifically under the floor. We then inject a termiticide through these access points to stop future infestations. Harvester termites that target your lawn require a different approach. We use high-pressure pumps to inject termiticide directly into their nests, effectively eliminating them.