(Updated)Termites: the hardest working and most destructive pest

We thought we’d take a look at one of the hardest working (and most destructive) of pests; the mighty termite.

Firstly, what are termites?

Termites in South Africa are a species of wood-boring insect. They have symbiotic bacteria in their hindguts that enable them to break down plant cellulose into a digestible form.

This means they attack any wooden structures in your property. Even properties built mainly from brick or stone can still suffer from termite damage in South Africa. This is because structural supports are made of wood and cellulose-based materials, which are exactly what termites eat.

Where do you find termites?

Termite species in South Africa are found all over the country, but they thrive in warm, damp, and humid climates like KZN.

Like ants, they live in colonies with a highly structured caste system, comprising worker termites, soldier termites, and reproductive termites. Colonies can be either ground-based termites (soil termites) or surface-based termites (wood termites).

Whilst there are many different types of termites, the Drywood termite (Cryptotermes spp)—found primarily in KZN—and the Subterranean termite (Coptotermes spp) cause the most damage.

What makes termites so destructive?

Termites in South Africa are relentless; they can steadily eat away at the wooden structures of your home for years without showing any obvious signs. The reason you may not realise what’s happening is that termites live underground and eat away at wood from the inside.

By the time you notice them, termites may have caused severe termite damage, running into hundreds of thousands of Rands.

Rentokil recently got a call from a client in Polokwane who had noticed signs of termites. The termite infestation had been present for a few months before she contacted us, but it escalated quickly over the last three weeks. You can see the termite damage in these photographs:

Damage caused by termites

Our technicians provided a drill and inject termite treatment inside the house, and the garden was soaked in termiticide treatment. It’s always important to treat garden areas to prevent termites from returning.

How can you protect your home from termites in South Africa?

The first step in termite prevention is knowing what to look for.. Many people confuse termites vs ants, with termites sometimes being called white ants or flying ants.

• Ants (like wasps) have a constriction halfway down their body.
• Termites, however, have uniformly broad bodies.

The prominent mounds in South Africa are caused by termites, not ants. Termite workers can be both male and female.

Signs of termites in your home

Be on the lookout for the following signs of termite infestation:

• Termite swarms
• Mud tubes on walls or foundations
• Piles of discarded termite wings

After termites swarm (typically during warm spring days), they shed their wings, leaving piles of wings behind. Any area where your home is in contact with soil can be a termite entry point.

If you see any of these signs of termites, call a professional pest control company in South Africa immediately. DIY termite treatments are ineffective, and the longer you wait, the worse the termite damage becomes.

How to prevent termites

Termites need two things to survive: wood and moisture. Minimising access to these can help protect your home. Although it’s best to get a professional termite inspection, our termite control experts recommend the following practical tips:

Regular termite inspections of:

• Fence posts, trellises, and landscaping ties
• Firewood stacked up against the house
• Mulch in contact with the house foundation
• Wooden structural supports
• Buried wood debris from construction

Fix moisture problems that attract termites

Even small leaks can create the perfect conditions for termites. Prevent termites by fixing:

• Leaky taps and pipes
• Leaky gutters and downspouts
• Poor drainage causing water buildup near foundations
• Insufficient ventilation in basements and crawl spaces

Why is termite control important?

Remember, termites can work undetected for years, and the warning signs are often subtle. Untreated termite infestations can cause serious structural damage, making homes unsafe. The cost of termite repairs can be enormous, so early termite prevention is crucial.

Think you have a termite problem? Contact the experts at Rentokil for a free survey.