Although termites are ecologically beneficial in that they break down detritus to add nutrients to soil, the same feeding behaviors that prove helpful to the ecosystem can cause severe damage to human homes. Because termites feed primarily on wood, they are capable of compromising the strength and safety of an infested structure. Termite damage can render structures unlivable until expensive repairs are conducted.

Homes constructed primarily of wood are not the only structures threatened by termite activity. Homes made from other materials may also host termite infestations, as these insects are capable of traversing through plaster, metal siding and more. Termites then feed on cabinets, floors, ceilings and wooden furniture within these homes.

Because termites are often not identified before considerable damage has occurred, it is advised that homeowners experiencing a termite infestation contact a pest control professional before attempting to address the problem on their own. Professionals will conduct an inspection in order to correctly identify the problem and will then discuss possible avenues of treatment with homeowners.

Interior damage may not become apparent until infestations are full-blown. Termite damage sometimes appears similar to water damage. Outward signs of termite damage include buckling wood, swollen floors and ceilings, areas that appear to be suffering from slight water damage and visible mazes within walls or furniture. Termite infestations also can exude a scent similar to mildew or mold.

Subterranean termites also access above-ground food sources through mud tunnels they create from saliva, mud and feces. These tunnels are located near the foundation of infested homes.

Dry wood termites build their colonies within wooden structures on which they feed. They can be found inside of walls or furniture. Dry wood termite infestations may only become apparent after a colony has burrowed so deeply into an infested item that the veneer cracks and the maze-like tunnels beneath become visible. Such damage is common in antique furniture pieces. Should this occur on new furniture or the floors or walls of your home, contact a pest control professional to discuss the severity of your infestation, as well as extermination options.
Depending on the type of species of termite there are a number of ways they can achieve access to your home. Subterranean termites that live in the ground come up through a crack in a foundation or on the exterior of your home. Dry wood termites, one of the most threatening termite species can gain access through just about any point of your structure.

Subterranean termite entry points

Subterranean termites usually gain access to your from underneath due to a crack in the foundation or if your home is raised off the ground by building much to his that reach the wood flooring. Most people are not familiar with how subterranean termites live. This species of termite’s lives inside the ground they only come up the find wood to eat and then return to the colony underground. If your home has any kind of wood siding or foundation subterranean termites can find their way into it. It is always a good idea to check the perimeter of your home for little mud tubes that extend from the ground up the side of your home. This is an indication that subterranean termites have made it into your structure. If your home is built on a raised foundation this is normally indicated by having a crawl space under your home, subterranean termites usually will gain access in this area. Again look for mud tubes that rise up from the ground and are attached to the under part of the flooring of your home.

Drywood termite entry points

Because Drywood termites live inside the wood and not in the ground your whole structure is at risk of being an entry point. The most common entry points for Drywood termites are under the eaves of your home’s roof. Usually this is the most neglected area for maintenance by a homeowner. Any small crack or opening is inviting to a Drywood termite. Once inside the female termite lays eggs and start to colony they do this by drilling a small hole into a piece of wood and laying their eggs. Once he a patch the baby termites start eating away at the wood. The more eggs that are laid, and hatched the larger the colony grows. Drywood termites are also known to gain access to a structure through an open door, open window or an external door frame with unprotected wood around.

Pre-construction anti-termite treatment

• Soil Treatment below and along external perimeters of the building
• Foundation Treatment
• Treatment of Plinth Area
• Treatment at junctions of floor and walls

Post-construction anti-termite treatment

• Treatment of floor and walls junctions
• Treatment of wooden infrastructures
• Treatment of termite surrounding building foundation