Termites

Termites are the wood-eating ninjas that can turn your home into Swiss cheese

Let’s talk termites – those tiny wood-chomping ninjas that can turn your home into Swiss cheese faster than you can say “homeowner’s nightmare.” Seriously, these guys are sneaky. They’re often referred to as “silent destroyers” because you can’t always see their colonies or damage.

These little chompers can cause huge damage to your property. And to add insult to injury, your homeowner’s insurance policy may not even cover the damage! Talk about a raw deal.

In South Africa, you’ll often encounter:

Harvester Termite (Hodotermes mossambicus): Subterranean and sneaky.
Drywood Termite (Cryptotermes brevis): The ones that like dry wood—go figure!

How to know if you have a problem with termites

Nobody enjoys discovering they have a termite infestation after severe damage has been done to their home. Here are some common warning signs you could have termite activity on your property:

Mud Tunnels: One of the biggest telltale signs of termites in your yard is the presence of mud tunnels. Termites will lay tunnels of mud, feces, and saliva and then travel through them toward sources of food and water. These look like dirt that’s been packed into strands and can be seen coming up from the ground against the wall of a building.

Bare Patches in Your Lawn: Bare round patches in your lawn, stripped of grass is a definite sign that you should inspect a little closer. When you look a little closer you may notice a hole in the centre of the patch surrounded by mounds of soil, this is an indication that harvester termites are present.

Termite Wings: Both drywood and subterranean termites shed their wings after mating. So, if you notice piles of termite wings lying around your yard, it is an indication an infestation is building.

Blowholes in Trees: Both drywood and subterranean termites bore holes into the sides of trees. So, if you notice these holes, there is a good chance there are hardworking termites on the other side.

Termite Excrement (Frass): If you find termite feces, also known as frass, around your property, you can guarantee that you have termites living there. Termite feces look like a pile of salt and pepper mixed together.

Your Termite Prevention Plan - Because Nobody Wants to Live or Work with Woodchomping Roommates

Let’s face it, nobody wants termites munching away at their property like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet.

So, before these little wood-guzzlers move in and start redecorating your house into Swiss cheese, here’s how you can keep them away:

Fix any leaks. Leaky pipes and faucets are like a termite invitation. Be a leak-detecting superhero and fix those drips faster than you can say "water damage"
Seal it like you mean it. Moisture can set up a termite paradise, so seal any entry points around pipes and utility lines.
Trim the scenery. Trees and bushes too close to your property can create a leafy bridge to your property.
Do regular termite check-ups. Have your property inspected for termites periodically.

Be vigilant about these termite prevention measures. If all else fails and you suspect those wood-chompers are already staging a coup, give us a call. We’re ready to bring in the reinforcements and save your property from the termite apocalypse!

Pestinators' Termite Control

Identify the presence or signs of termites.
For harvester termites, we drill holes along walls or in the ground and pressure inject the termiticide. For foundations, we excavate to a depth of 500 mm and flood the foundation with termiticide.
For drywood termines, the treatment is different. Fumigation is the only possible means of control.