Termites can easily cause severe damage to your property, so early treatment of them is important. If you are already in Singapore, you probably know the humid climate, which makes the environment a very favourable one for termites. Knowing how to control these pests in Singapore can save you from costly, massive repairs and protect your home or business. This guide shows you how best to undertake the methods, costs, and preventive measures for termite control in Singapore, ensuring you keep these destructive pests far away from your premises.
What Are Termites?
Termites are wood-eating insects. Capable of doing as much damage to a structure as even termites themselves might imagine, they are primary consumers because they feed on cellulose found in wood, paper, and certain fabrics. There are different species of termites, but in Singapore, the most common species are subterranean termites that dig colonies underground and attack from the bottom.
Why Do You Need Termite Control Singapore?
Termite infestation is not only a nuisance; it can also cause structural damage. Singapore's warm and humid climate creates an ideal environment for the termites to multiply. Without proper termite control measures, what would have been only a small infestation would grow into something major in a very short while, costing you thousands of dollars in repairs? Thus, maintaining the integrity of your property requires having termite control in Singapore.
Types of Termites in Singapore
- Subterranean Termites: These are the most common kinds here in Singapore. They live underground and travel up walls within mud tubes to get to their food.
- Drywood Termites: Less common, the termites infest wooden furniture and structures and often don't need contact with the soil.
- Dampwood Termites: Moisture-attracted, they infest damp decaying wood, often moistened by water leakage.
Signs of Termite Infestation
You should react at once when you feel that you are suspecting termites. Some common signs include:
● Mud Tubes: Termites, which are subterranean, use mud tubes as protection cover in going from their colony to the food source.
● Hollow Wood: The tapping sound on the wood, when hollow, shows that the termites have eaten out the wood from the inner portion.
● Discarded Wings: When termites mate, they shed their wings themselves, and most of the time, this is seen near windows or doors.
● Frass (Droppings): Small piles of termite droppings can be a clear indicator of an infestation.
Termite Control Methods in Singapore
Having discussed the signs and types of termites, now let us go ahead to discuss some effective methods for termite control in Singapore.
Chemical Treatment
Chemical treatment is applying termiticides onto areas of termite infestation. The termiticide forms a barrier that would prevent the entrance of the termites into the structure. This method is effective. However, you would only get quick results from this if applied correctly by a licensed professional.
● Benefits: Quick result; useful for preventing and treating.
● Cost: The chemical treatment in Singapore may cost between SGD 500 to SGD 1,500 depending on the type of infestation.
Soil Treatment
Soil treatment is where a liquid termiticide is injected into the soil which surrounds your property's foundational area; it makes the termites not enter and will stay active for a long time in that area. The soil treatment works for subterranean termites.
● Benefits: Long-lasting protection, effective on subterranean termites.
● Cost: The treatment cost of soil goes between SGD 1,000 and SGD 3,000.
Fumigation
Fumigation is the sealing of a whole structure for a gas that kills termites. This method is intended for huge infestations of dry-wood termites.
● Benefits: All the stages of a termite's life are completely removed.
● Cost: Fumigation is one of the costlier treatments, ranging from SGD 2,000 to SGD 5,000, depending on the size of the property.
Natural Remedies
Some homeowners prefer using a natural approach to controlling termites. Essential oils like orange oil and neem oil can repel the termites, but these methods tend to be comparatively less effective and even don't work in a large infestation.
● Benefits: Eco-friendly, non-toxic.
● Cost: This treatment is relatively affordable, though less effective in controlling severe infestations.
Determinants of Termite Treatment Costs in Singapore
The cost of termite control in Singapore depends on the following:
● Property Size: Larger houses will need more chemicals or baits.
● Type of Infestation: So, soil treatments will be necessary for subterranean termites while dry wood termites may require fumigation.
● Severity of Infestation: The more severe the infestation, the higher the cost because a more extensive treatment will be required.
● Type of Treatment: Chemical treatments are significantly cheaper compared to the installation of a baiting or fumigation system.
Understanding these factors will help you estimate the termite control in Singapore cost and make an informed decision regarding treatment options.
How to Keep Them Away
A preventive measure is always better than finding out how to get rid of termites. Here's how you can help keep them from coming to your property:
● Eliminate Moisture: Termites love moisture, so the elimination of leaks and ensuring drainage in the property is essentially important.
● Seal Cracks: Termites can easily infest through tiny cracks in the foundation. Seal any cracks that are visible to prevent their entry.
● Use Termite-Resistant Materials: You can also use termite-resistant materials when building or renovating your house. For example, you can use treated wood.
● Schedule Termite Inspection Regularly: It is also effective to schedule regular termite inspections with a professional pest control service so that you catch the infestation early.
Why Hire Professionals for Termite Control in Singapore?
While DIY methods are tempting, professional termite control services in Singapore are comprehensive and effective. They can accurately identify the type of termites infesting your property and apply the most appropriate treatment. Also, they offer warranties, such that in case of re-infestation, they'll return to treat your property at no extra cost.
On the other hand, professional termite control is relatively cheap compared to the extent of the destruction that termites can cause in your home or business. Professionals also use high-grade products which are many times more effective than their counterparts in the over-the-counter medication line.
Conclusion
Termite control in Singapore is very vital for the household and the entrepreneurs, because, after all, no one desires costly damage. There are various ways of doing it, whether it is chemical treatment, baiting systems, or soil treatments. Whatever you choose will be ensured to solve your infestation problem as well as take into account the costs and long-term benefits. Regularly scheduled check-ups for termite control on a property are important to ensure that your property is termite-free. If you suspect that your property has an infestation, give a professional termite control service a call in Singapore for professional diagnosis and tailored advice.