Termite Extermination
How to sort out a termite infestation. Ways to prevent them from moving inside buildings and foundations.
How will I Know There Are Termites Lurking in My Foundations?
Getting to know the tell-tale signs of termites is important. The earlier you nip the problem in the bud, the less damage they will do.
Termites seldom surface from their food sources and from the soil in which they tunnel. We are often unaware they are there until construction takes place. Or when there is termite damage.
Termite inspections will alert you to infestations. A termite expert in your area can help you choose the types of treatment that are most effective for the infestation you have. At Mostert, we use environmentally friendly methods.
Obvious Signs of Termite Infestations to Look Out for
The first step in prevention is to be on aware of their presence. Termites rarely emerge from soil or food sources. They rarely emerge from their mud tunnels. Most people are not aware they have termites until they see a swarm when they disturb them.
3 Steps to Take to Identify Termite Infestations
- Probe any exposed wood for hollow parts. To do this, use a flathead screwdrivers or other similar tools.
- You need to know what they look like. Swarms of termites are often mistaken for ants.
- Conduct regular termite inspections for signs of infestations.
What Do Termites Look Like?
South Africa is home to 3 main termite species. These cause damage to both the inside and outside of homes. You can speak to a pest control expert at Mostert today to learn more about termite activity in your area.
(source: https://www.servicemaster.co.za/blog/types-of-termites-found-in-south-africa/)
1. Woodborers or Drywood Termites (Cryptotermes sp.)
We find woodborers or Drywood Termites in South Africa’s coastal regions. These are the Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal. We also find them in South Africa’s remaining provinces. Woodborer Termites nest in wood.
This is harmful to wooden roof timbers, flooring, and furniture in the home. They destroy structures by eating wood from the inside. This makes detection difficult. Not detected in the early stages, they will damage wooden structures beyond repair.
(source: https://www.servicemaster.co.za/blog/types-of-termites-found-in-south-africa/)
2. Subterranean termites, also known as white ants (Coptotermes sp.)
White ants make their appearance from time to time in search of food. They live underground, but forage above ground to feed by creating mud tunnels. These are for protection against their enemies. The tunnels also help to keep their bodies moist and soft. This helps maintain the humidity levels inside their tunnels.
(source: https://www.servicemaster.co.za/blog/types-of-termites-found-in-south-africa/)
3. Dampwood Termites or Harvester Ants (Neotermes sp.)
Dampwood Termites love to feed on grass. They cause untold damage to thatch roofs. If we leave infestations of Dampwood Termites unchecked, entire roofs will need replacing. You can find Dampwood Termites throughout South Africa.
Apply These Smart Methods to Discourage Termite Infestations
You will discourage termite nests by making the structures of buildings less appealing. Use a concrete foundation. Leave a space between the soil and the wood.
Ensure you use a sealant for any exposed wood surfaces. Use a metal barrier as well. Ensure you carry out soil poisoning through a licensed professional during the construction phase to avoid extensive damage caused by future infestations.
7 Effective Measures to Use to Keep Termites Away
Effective termite treatment includes maintenance and prevention. Once the construction phase is complete, keep the soil around foundations dry. We do this through proper land grading and drainage.
- The maintenance of gutters is important for discouraging termites.
- Ensure you fill all cracks and crevices in foundations with cement. Fill any cracks caused by plumbing and electrical wires.
- Fix leaking taps right away. This not only saves money. It discourages insect infestations.
- Unblock all air vents. This includes blockage from foliage.
- Plant shrubbery at a suitable distance from buildings. Growing against wooden structures encourages infestations.
- Clear away leaf and wood piles near buildings and homes.
- Regular inspections are important. This prevents property damage in the long-term.
Call Your Pest Management Professional the Minute You Spot Termites
DIY extermination methods waste money. They also don’t get to the root cause of infestations. Mostert pest control services will assist with termite extermination.
The moment you spot a single termite, ensure you get the help you need from one of South Africa’s most reliable pest control companies. Termites cause untold damage and could cost you dearly. If your structure has termite infestations, Mostert Pest Control Services will assist