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In Singapore, termites are active throughout the year. The most common types of termites found in Singapore are drywood termites and subterranean termites. This is what you need to know about them (information provided by pest control service, Rentokil):
(image: Rentokil)
Drywood termites…
Subterranean termites…
(image: Rentokil)
The two also present different types of warning signs:
Drywood termites are spotted through the presence of faecal pellets which variy from pale white to dark brown to black (depending on the type of wood infested) as well as the clean and smooth internal chambers inside the consumed timber, which has been described as wood which has been smoothen by sandpaper.
Subterranean termites are spotted through the presence of mud shelter tubes which they build out of mud, faecal matter and saliva. The damage done to timber is across the wood grain. Thermal imaging can also detect the presence of subterranean termites in wood through infrared radiation.
(image: Rentokil)
Control methods include fumigation with methyl bromide or phosphine, or spot treatments (for small or concentrated areas) with a slow-acting insecticide dust. Some drilling into the infested timber is necessary, so it might get a little bit messy!
Find out how to prevent termites from entering your home.