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Termites are considered to be the most destructive insect pests in the world. Many buildings and structures are damaged by these pests each year resulting in huge financial losses.
There are 200 different species of termites, but only a handful cause problems to properties:
- Coptotermes gestroi
- Coptotermes curvignathus
- Coptotermes havilandi
- Coptotermes kalshoveni
- Coptotermes sepangensis
- Macrotermes gilvus
- Macrotermes pakistanicus
- Globitermes sulphureus
- Schedorhinotermes sp.
- Microcerotermes sp.
Most property damages in Singapore are caused by Coptotermes species.
Termites FAQ
Are termites common in Singapore?
Every property is at risk of termite problem ranging from warehouse, apartment, landed home or commercial building due to presence of wood, moisture and cellulose material. They are nasty pests that multiply quickly to form a colony and does damages and safety risks to structures and foundations.
How do you get rid of termites in Singapore?
Rentokil Singapore is a pest control service company that specialises in eradicating pest infestation including termites. They possess a team of professional termite specialists in dealing with various termite problems including the seven years warranty termite treatment with eco-friendly solution.
Can termites come back after treatment?
If the initial termite treatment wasn't as effective as one would hope, termites may come back to their feeding and breeding grounds. Ensure that your pest control service provider works efficiently and applies effective active ingredient to eradicate pests like termites. Other factors include the wrong application, incorrect species identification and missing out on targeted locations.
Can you get rid of termites permanently?
Yes, you can get rid of termites permanently with the help of a professional pest control service provider. A good pest service company will schedule an initial assessment of the property before giving you the best possible solution for your pest problem. However, it also requires housekeeping, diligent home maintenance and regular home inspection. A re-treat of the premise after the warranty period should be continued to ensure long term protection against termite damages.
What are signs of termite infestation?
The three most common tell-tale signs of termites are alates or swarmers found on surfaces, mud tubes on the wall, and frass or otherwise known as termite droppings that look like dust in the home.
Can you live in a house with termites?
Living in a house full of termites can be harmful. Firstly, they might be the cause of allergy and reactions. Secondly, living in a house with termite infestation can be dangerous if they have caused extensive structural damage. Finally, they may cause disruptions and financial impact in terms of repair and rectification.
Termite Society
The basic castes in a colony are queens, kings, workers, soldiers and alates.
Termite Queen & King
Giving life to the colony
The function of the Queen and King in the termite colony is to reproduce. Starting out life as an Alate, they leave their parents' colony, drop to the ground and shed their wings to seek out an environment to nest. They care for their young until they are able to take over the duties of the colony.
Dealing with termite infestations?
Termites are challenging to identify and manage when often people mistaken termites for ants and become less guarded. The most common species of subterranean termites come from the underground soil to attack your home or premise.
Rentokil with more than 50 years of pest control experience and expertise in termite control, provides various treatment options to manage an infestation effectively.
Qualified and trained technicians carry out treatments safely. Early detection and regular maintenance can help to protect your home and family from harm.
Termite Workers
The 'doers'
The workers make up the largest number within a colony. They do all of the work (except defend and reproduce): feeding, grooming, excavating the nest and making tunnels. In doing their jobs, they cause the destruction that effects so many homes.
Termite Soldiers
The colony's defence
Soldiers defend the colony against attack by predatory enemies such as ants, and are equipped with large jaws, sticky fluids or chemical spray to do so.
Alates
The future Queens & Kings
Alates are the winged reproductives that swarm out from the nest and establish new colonies. Male and females pair off and look for a suitable environment to mate. They are often confused with ant swarmers.
Coptotermes spp.
Family: Rhinotermitidae (subfamily Coptotermitidae)
Genus: Coptotermes
Type: Subterranean.
Castes: Queen, king, soldier, worker, reproductive.
Nest type & Behaviour: Coptotermes build nest in the soil because they are very dependent on it for moisture. In their search for food, subterranean termites construct mud tubes because they are susceptible to desiccation when exposed to air. They usually work their way above ground to reach wood or any other cellulose source. The cellulose is then broken down into simple starch with the help of the protozoans in the termites gut.
Economic significance: Termites are considered to be amongst the most destructive pest in the world.
At Risk of Termites?
Learn more about Rentokil Termite Home Protection Plan
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