Termite Inspection
What is a termite inspection?
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Termites: The Silent Destroyers
Termites, often called "white ants," are a significant threat to properties across South Africa. These tiny insects feed on wood and other cellulose-based materials, causing extensive damage to homes and businesses.
5 Signs of a Termite Infestation
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Termite Mud Tubes
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Termite Wood Damage
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Termite Swarmers
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Discarded Wings
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Termite Frass
Termite Infestation Signs: What to Look Out For
Early detection is crucial for preventing costly termite damage. Be vigilant and watch for these signs:
Termite Mud Tubes
These tunnels built by termites can be found on walls, foundations, and other surfaces.
Termite Swarmers
Winged termites emerge from colonies to reproduce, often indicating an established infestation.
Discarded Termite Wings
After swarming, termites shed their wings, which can be found near windows or doors.
Termite Frass
Termite droppings, resembling sawdust or coffee grounds, may be visible near infested areas.
Types of Termites in South Africa
South Africa is home to various termite species, each with its habits and destructive potential. Some common types include:
- Subterranean termites: These termites live underground and build mud tubes to access wood structures.
- Drywood termites: These termites infest dry wood and can cause significant damage to furniture and structural timbers.
- Harvester termites: These termites are found in grasslands and savannas and can damage crops and grazing lands.
The Impact of Termites on Your Property
Termites can cause extensive and costly damage to your property, compromising its structural integrity and potentially leading to:
- Weakened foundations and walls.
- Collapsed ceilings and floors.
- Damaged furniture and wooden fixtures.
- Decreased property value.
Here are a few common signs of termites that you might see (or hear) around your home or business:
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Papery or hollow sounding timber - When termites consume timber, they eat from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of timber or paint. When you knock or tap on an area that has termite damage, it will sound hollow or papery due to parts (or all) of the timber having been eaten away.
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Your vacuum goes through the skirting board - or your finger presses through a door jam! These are some of the most common things we hear from customers as the first sign of termites. As termites have eaten away the structural integrity of the timber, such as a skirting board, door frame or architrave, bumps or pressure against them will easily cause damage.
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Tight fitting door or hard to open window - As termites devour timber, their excrement or ‘mud’ creates a protective environment that traps heat and moisture. This causes timber to swell, making it harder to open a window or close a door.
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Cracks in the cornice or door jams - As termites eat away the timber in your walls or door jams, it causes a loss in structural integrity and cracks form. Be careful jumping to conclusions, though; cracks could also be caused by movements in your home unrelated to termites.
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Termite mud - Termites construct ‘mud’ tunnels to provide a safe environment in which to travel, or protect their food sources. This mudding is often hard to see as it will be behind your walls or underground, but can sometimes be seen in your home's brick foundations or in architraves.
Protecting Your Property from Termites
Prevention is key to avoiding termite infestations. Here are some proactive measures you can take:
- Regular termite inspections: Schedule annual inspections by a qualified pest control professional.
- Moisture control: Repair leaks and ensure proper drainage to reduce moisture around your property.
- Wood protection: Treat wood with termite-resistant products or use naturally termite-resistant wood species.
- Eliminate wood-to-soil contact: Avoid direct contact between wood and soil around your foundation.
Rentokil’s Solutions for Effective Treatment of Termites
Rentokil offers comprehensive termite control solutions tailored to the needs of homes and businesses across South Africa. Our services include:
- Termite inspections: Thorough inspections to identify signs of termite activity and assess the risk of infestation.
- Termite control: Targeted treatments to eliminate existing termite colonies and prevent re-infestation.
- Termite protection: Preventative measures to safeguard your property from future termite attacks.
- 24/7 support: Our expert team is available around the clock to respond to emergencies and provide ongoing support.
Your Property, Our Priority: Expert Termite Treatment
Your home or business is a significant investment, and protecting it from termite damage is crucial. With Rentokil, you can rest assured that your property is in expert hands.
Our team of termite specialists has extensive local experience and is trained in the latest technologies, backed by 100 years of global expertise. We understand the unique challenges posed by termites in South Africa and provide targeted solutions to eliminate infestations and prevent future threats.