Most people are unaware that they have termites until they see a swarm of them or realize there’s damage during construction. In the UAE, where the climate is nice, warm and humid, termites thrive. They cause severe structural damages that go unnoticed until it’s too late. These tiny social insects silently eat away your wood, flooring, and walls, putting you at risk for a compromised property.
How do you identify them? What should be your line of defense against a termite infestation and what can you do to prevent them? This blog answers all of these questions.
What Are Termites?
Termites are small, social insects that primarily feed on cellulose, a key component of wood and other organic materials. They appear very similar to ants which may be the reason why you may not be able to identify them correctly.
Termites are also popularly called ‘Silent Destroyers.’ Why? Well, because they can chew through wood, walls, and even insulation at times undetected.
Two Common Types of Termites in UAE
UAE is home to two common types of termites—subterranean termites and dry wood termites.
The subterranean termites are the most dangerous types. They live underground and build tunnels in the mud to access food. Moreover, they cause structural damage since they can chew wood from the inside out. They have an aggressive feeding nature, and their ability to multiply quickly makes them a severe threat.
Drywood termites, on the other hand, live inside dry wood and do not need mud contact. They are also harder to identify since they do not build visible mud tunnels. Furthermore, they are often found in furniture, doors and wooden fixtures.
Early Signs of Termite Damage
If you believe termites enter your house suddenly and eat it all away, you are wrong. Termites work their way through your house, which means they’ve been around for quite some time. Here are some tell-tale signs:
- Sawdust at home
- Frass or termite droppings. These are reddish brown in color and sometimes have a liquid-like substance present in them.
- Discarded wings as the swarmers mature
- Bubbling or blistering of paint on doors and windows. Test this by pressing on the bubble. If it comes down easily and feels hollow or spongy, chances are there are termites.
What Can You Do to Prevent Them?
Implementing proactive control is the first line of defense to safeguard your property from termites. Here’s what you can do:
- Regular inspection and looking for the signs mentioned above
- Eliminating moisture sources. Termites thrive on moisture. So fix those leaky pipes as soon as possible. Additionally, keep your basements and crawl spaces well-ventilated. If needed, use a dehumidifier.
- Use termite-resistant materials for construction. For instance, treated wood, concrete or steel. Additionally, apply anti-termite coatings on wooden furniture and structures.
- Install physical and chemical barriers around the foundation to prevent termites from entering.
- You can also consider baiting systems and soil treatments
- Always avoid direct contact between wooden structures and soil
- Seal the gaps in your window frames, doors, walls, floors, and foundation
Treatments for Termites
1 – Liquid Termiticides
Liquid termiticides are best suited for Subterranean termites as soil treatments since these termites live underground. They access buildings through soil and this treatment acts like a chemical barrier, preventing them from entering the foundation.
The chemical is injected into the soil and when termites attempt to pass through the treated area, they come in contact with the poison and die. Some of these termiticides are designed to be slow-acting so that the termites carry the poison to their colonies and eradicate the entire population present.
2 – Baiting Systems
Baiting systems are an alternative to chemical barriers. It works by placing bait stations around the property to attract the termites. When termites are attracted, they carry poisoned bait on their back to their colonies, leading to gradual eradication.
This treatment option is eco-friendly and poses minimal risk for humans and pets. Plus, it targets the entire colony, including the queen termite. Furthermore, it can be used as treatment as well as prevention.
3 – Fumigation
Fumigation or tent treatment is best suited for dry wood termites and severe infestations inside structures. It works by sealing the invested property with a tent and infusing it with gas fumigants that penetrate deep into the walls to kill the termites. After the process, the tent is removed, and the property is ventilated to remove any leftover chemicals.
This treatment option reaches deep within the woods and the walls. Moreover, it eliminates all kinds of termites, including eggs and larvae. Unfortunately, this option requires the resident to vacate the property for several days.
4 – Wood Treatments
Designed for dry wood termites and termite-prone wooden structures, this treatment option involves applying specialized insecticide either directly onto or inside the wood structures. It is particularly beneficial for furniture, wooden beams, and decorative woodwork. It’s ideal for treating small infected areas and can be used in new construction as well.
5 – Heat Treatment
The idea here is rather simple. It involves increasing the temperature of the area to the extent that makes it lethal for the termites. The temperatures are usually increased to 120–140°F (49–60°C). The heat penetrates the woods and kills all kinds of termites—eggs, larvae and adults.
The good part about this option is that it is chemical-free and safe for humans and pets. It does not damage anything. And there’s no need to vacate your home for a long period of time.
Conclusion
Most of the treatments mentioned above require professional assistance. Thus, hiring a professional pest control treatment company is the best way to go about eliminating termites from your house. Professionals use advanced detection tools, specialized chemicals, and integrated pest management strategies to ensure long-term protection.
They take account of the infestation extent, identify the type of termites, and recommend a tailored treatment plan for long-term benefits. This plan may be a mix of techniques to ensure termites don’t come back to harm your property. Revive your property with Lulu Pest Control’s expert termite control treatment. We offer both pre-construction and post-construction termite treatment to remove them and prevent their return. Call us now.