Durban Pest Control Specialists

Another type of woodborer is subterranean-termites. These termites live underground in colonies consisting of a king, queen, winged reproductives, soldiers and workers.

Termite colonies can grow up to two million members.

Termites come up from underground to feed mainly on cellulose which is obtained from wood, grass, leaves, paper, cardboard etc.
Termites like dark, humid and protected environments. This makes them hard to find until it is too late. Termites do however leave signs of their presence.

Common evidence that you have termites in your building are:

• Hollow sounding timber – Termites eat from the centre of the timber and leave a thin veneer or section of paint on the surface. When you knock on the timber it will sound hollow and your hand could go right through the thin layer left there.
• Sandy, muddy or clay looking tracks or tunnels – Termites make tunnels or tracks from the soil over themselves to keep themselves safe while travelling to their food source. Common places in your building to see these are behind backing board in cupboards, on your garage floor or walls or in the crawl space under the building.
• Crackling sounds – more noticeable at night when it’s quiet.

Termites can eat through your timber very quickly – much faster than woodborer.

To safeguard your property we recommend annual termite inspections by our SAPCA qualified wood destroying organisms inspector. If any termite infestation is found we will recommend a treatment that is carried out in accordance with SANS regulations.