Termite Control FAQ

Your guide to termite treatments.

Frequently asked questions about termite control

Since there are a few different types of termite in South Africa and in particular the Gauteng region, we often get asked questions regarding identifying and treating these wood destroying insects.

Below we will outline some of the most common Termite control FAQ’s including the different types of infestations plus how to spot and prevent termites. Further information regarding our processes and the types of treatments used can be found here.

How do you tell if termites are active in your house?

If you suspect that termites are active in your home, there are a number of tell tale signs that you can look out for. While termites can live undetected for years, identifying termite activity early is key to avoiding significant damage.

Firstly, if you see discarded wings or droppings that resemble sawdust around doors or window, this could be an early sign that termites have found their way into your home.

If you notice discoloured, flaking or small holes in your drywall or peeling paint that resembles water damage, this could also be one of the early warning signs of a termite infestation as is loose tiles or buckling in laminate flooring.

Additional signs that you have a more serious infestation would be hollow sounding wood, excessively squeaking floorboards or crumbling, damaged wood. On the exterior of your home, look out for mud tubes which will climb from the foundation through to a window or door frame.

What attracts termites to a home?

Its a common misconception that colder weather attracts termites into your home. This is incorrect and weather has nothing to do with termites entering a home.

Firstly, termites are looking for a food source. In most homes, this will come in the form of timber frames and structures or wooden furniture. They are attracted to moisture and therefore thrive in damp soil. This is where they usually make their nest before creating a series of complex tunnels (or tubes) used to enter your home to feast on the wood within it.

Leaking pipes, air conditioning ducts, gutters or drains are a temping entry point for termites and provide the nutrients and water source they need to thrive.

Whats the difference between Subterranean and Harvester termites?

There are 2 main types of termites that we deal with here at Termicon. Subterranean termites or drywood termites are commonly found within the home and feast on anything made from wood including door and window frames, wooden structures, floors, ceilings, drywall, wooden furniture and even books. They can live undetected for years while causing significant damage to a buildings structural integrity.

Harvester termites or grass eating termites on the other hand are found outdoors and feast on dead and living grass, plants, leaves and shrubs and are capable of causing total destruction to your garden if left untreated.

Can I spray for termites myself?

Termite control can be some of the most complex pest management treatments to deploy. This is due to the complex nature to which they thrive and the size some colonies can grow to.

A termite colony can contain up to 1 million active worker termites. An off the shelf DIY spray may only be effective in destroying termites on the surface, but will most certainly be ineffective in treating the bigger picture. Termite sprays that you buy from local hardware stores are not capable of physically treating the wood that has been infested.

A professional pest controller will be able to determine the best course of action based on the severity of your termite problem. Years of experience and extensive knowledge of termite behaviour are required for an effective treatment.

Bottom line, yes, sprays can be used but will not provide the necessary protection required to avoid ongoing damage or future re-infestation.

Call Termicon today on 087 551 0558. We guarantee our treatments under warranty for added peace of mind.

How do I permanently get rid of termites?

While there is no permanent cure for termites, the best way to ensure they stay away is by keeping up a regular maintenance contract with your local pest control company.

Deploying regular termite prevention measures will ensure that new infestations cannot thrive. Its wise to also keep up with the general maintenance and cleanliness of your home also.

Termicon recommends treating wood and soil at least once a year with specialist termiticide / bait combination. Call us today for more information.

How much does it cost to exterminate for termites?

Many factors will influence the overall cost of termite treatment in Johannesburg and will depend on whether your issue is active or if your after prevention measures.

If you have an active termite issue, the cost of the treatment will depend on the severity of the issue and how much damage has been caused to your homes structure. In some cases, you made need to factor in repairs to wooden frames or structures to ensure your home or building is safe.

Termite prevention measures including soil poisoning treatments, will largely depend on the size of the land or foundations that needs treating.

Termicon provides quick, no nonsense quotations for free with no obligation to buy. Call or get in touch with our team today for more information.

How long does termite treatment last?

How long a particular treatment lasts will largely depend on what the treatment was and who performed it. If you did it yourself for instance, its only likely to provide 4 – 6 months protection.

On average, liquid termite treatments, soil treatments and wood treatments will last about 5 years. Termite bait stations or other forms of bait will be effective for up to 1 year.

It is recommended however that your treatment be carried out on a yearly bases. This not only tops up the protection level but also allows the pest control company to inspect for any new infestations or other pest invasions at the same time.

How can I prevent termites?

As a home owner, their are several easy steps you are able to take to prevent termites.

Eliminating moisture near your foundations will certainly help avoid creating a tempting entry point for termites. Seal leaking A/c ducts, drains and pipes and check them regularly.

You should also remove any timber or wood source thats in contact with the ground. Damp soil plus wood is certainly attractive for termites.

You should reduce moisture and humidity in crawl spaces and attics by ensuring they have adequate ventilation.

Lastly you should consider an annual inspection or termite treatment from a licenced pest control company. Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than the cure!

Is termite damage covered by homeowners insurance?

Home insurance is designed to cover you in the event of an unforeseen circumstance such as fire or a burglary. The cost to remove termites or repair the damage they cause is not generally seen as a risk that an insurance company will cover you against. Its seen as a preventable problem thats the responsibility of the home owner.

As with all insurance, its always best to ask at the time of taking out your policy. However in our experience, is not often covered.

Take the appropriate action you need to make sure you ARE covered and call Termicon for some free advice on the best termite prevention measures for your home.

Is the treatment process safe?

Over the years, Termicon has continually strived to develop its techniques to reduce the impact that pesticides and insecticides have on the environment and surrounding wildlife.

Our processes are completely safe to humans and pets and are eco-friendly and low impact. We only use SANS / SABS government approved pesticides and herbicides and we are Level 2 BEE certified.

Quick contact



    Watch

    Like & share

    InstagramLinkedinYouTube
    termite control FAQ