TERMITES – THE SILENT INVADERS

Presented in ApartmentADDA Estate Manager Workshop

on 16 Sep 2011,Friday

TERMITRINA EFFECT

Argentina,

National Pest Management Association survey states –

More than 8 billion dollars in Property damage due to termites

TERMITRINA EFFECT

MORE THAN THREATS TO WOODEN STRUCTURES THAN

• FIRE

• FLOOD

• WIND

ALL PUT TOGETHER

REASONS FOR THE TERMITE RAIDS

DEFORESTATION

URBANISATION

INEFFICIENT SHORT CUTS WITH REGARD TO CONTROL MEASURES

HIDDEN CANCER

Termites may take up residence in a home for years-even decades-eating away at the structure from the inside out (an average subterranean termite colony can consume a two-by-four per year) until the damage finally shows itself-hence the unsettling nickname "silent destroyers."

TRULY CARCINOGENIC

WAFER THIN ENTRY

"Termites can enter a home by slipping through a crack in the foundation as thin as an average business card" .A less than a quarter inch gap shall do.

ACCESS POINTS

EXPANSION JOINTS

WINDOW VENTS

ROOF JOINTS

BATH TRAPS

PLUMBING OUTLETS

CABLE DUCTS

SIGNS OF INFESTATION

- Swarmers in or around the house, especially near light sources after rain.- The presence of mud shelters on foundations or other walls running from the ground upwards in to the house.- Stray wings left near door and window frames.- Paint that has started to bubble on wood surfaces that sound hollow when knocked.- Acoustic signals of termites gnawing on and knocking against wood surfaces.

 Did You Know?

Termites are one of the rare insect species that live in colonies consisting of an equal number of males and females, even in the soldier caste.

Approximately 2,300 species of termites are known to exist on earth.

While a serious threat to wooden structures, termites are also beneficial. Their ability to digest cellulose helps these insects recycle the nutrient base of the planet.

Termites have existed for approximately 250 million years.

In recorded history, termites have never developed resistance to any type of pesticide. Termites' survival is due in part to the queen’s “royal taster system,” in which the colony’s workers taste and process all food before it is fed to the queen. 

Termite workers and soldiers are blind, which means they rely on their sense of touch and chemical signals to help them locate food, moisture and shelter.  

 

SPOT THE INTRUDER

Subterranean termites are considered to be the most widespread and destructive termite species. They live in underground colonies or in moist secluded areas above ground that can contain up to 2 million members. Wood damaged by subterranean termites has a honeycombed appearance.

Drywood termites live in dry wood, such as in attics and crawlspaces, and do not need contact with soil to survive. They can be found in a home's framing, furniture, and even the hardwood flooring of homes. They form colonies of up to 2,500 members, and produce relatively small swarms of 10 to 100 insects-making them easy to go unnoticed. Wood consumed by drywood termites appears very clean and smooth.

TERMITE EXCLUSION

Keep moisture out. Use downspouts and gutters to divert water away from the home's foundation.

 Store mulch, firewood, and wood chips away from the home.

 Ensure shrubs, vines, and other plants aren't planted too close to the home and aren't covering vents.

 Ventilate crawl spaces to reduce humidity.

 Eliminate gaps and cracks in areas such as attic vents, window joints, and roof eaves.

 Remove old tree stumps and roots near the home.

TERMITE EXCLUSION

PROPER CHEMICAL BARRIERS

BAITING TECHNIQUES