To get rid of termites from your home or business in Singapore, start with DIY treatments like boric acid, bait stations, orange oil, and petroleum jelly. You should apply soil-applied termiticides, heat treatments, or professional termite control services for severe infestation. However, it is always better to take preventive measures, such as sealing entry points, keeping wooden items away from the soil, and reducing moisture, while ensuring proper air ventilation. Early detection is another effective way to prevent termite infestations from developing. So keep your eyes open.
DIY Termite Control Methods in Singapore
Boric Acid Powdering
One of the best DIY termite treatments for your home is using boric acid powder, which you will find in hardware stores or pharmacies. This powder attacks the termites’ digestive system and dehydrates them, leading to death. It works for both drywood termites and dampwood termites. However, remember that this is a slow process and it is not suitable for heavy infestation. In order to apply the acid, simply mix it with hot water and spray it on the affected areas. You can also apply the acid powder directly to infested cracks, crevices, and on window sills or baseboards.
Cardboard & Bait with Poison Trap
Poison traps are one of the safest and most environmentally friendly methods of killing termites. Take a moist piece of wood and tie it with termite baits. You will find these baits online or offline. Cardboard will also work if you don’t have wood. Then place the bait near the affected area or areas where the signs of termites are visible, like mud tubes. Termites will feed on it and carry the poison back to their colonies, leading to the colony’s death within a short time.
Orange Oil Spray
If you have drywood termites, orange oil can be a good option to use. In order to use it, simply put the oil into a spray bottle and spray it into cracks, crevices, or other affected areas. It will work as a repellent to termites. However, remember that it is a temporary solution and it will not work against subterranean termites.
Use of Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly can also work to suffocate termites inside the wooden tunnels they have built so far. Find the entry holes and rub the jelly into those holes or cracks. The odor and texture will also keep them away. Again, this is mostly a preventive solution, and it does not work quickly to kill termites.
Nematodes – Biological Control Agents
Nematodes are a natural and highly effective way to kill termites on your property, let it be your home, garden, or business areas. These parasitic worms hunt and kill subterranean termites or other termites around tree stumps, piles of firewood, and soil. You can buy these parasites to spread them across the termite colony. These parasites will enter their bodies through spiracles and mouthparts and spread bacteria like Photorhabdus luminescens to kill termites.
Sunlight & Heat Exposure
Termites need a moist environment to survive. You can put the affected furniture and wood under extreme heat or prolonged exposure to sunlight to remove moisture and destroy the perfect living conditions for termites.
Cold Treatment (Freezing)
If the termites infest small wooden pieces, you can simply wrap these items and freeze them at an extremely low temperature for 3–4 days. It will kill all kinds of termites hiding inside. However, this is not a practical option for all wood types.
Use of Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a great solution that you can easily apply to the affected areas. Simply spread the DE around the affected areas, and whenever the termites come into contact with DE, it will dehydrate them and kill them eventually.
Professional Termite Extermination Services in Singapore
Termite Bait Stations
Professionals, such as Termite Specialist SG, with a license and certifications, use bait stations to attract the termites and poison the entire colony. These bait stations are highly effective for heavily infested areas.
Soil-Applied Termiticides
Some professionals use soil treatment to protect wooden structures to prevent damage, and to save thousands of dollars in damages.
Foam or Dust Injection for Wall Cavities
Foam or dust injection with insecticides is injected by experienced exterminators into the baseboards and wall voids. Professionals also use their expertise to identify the entry holes to apply the foam and ensure maximum effectiveness.
Heat Treatment & Cold Chambers
Controlled heat treatment or cold treatment is highly effective against heavy termite infestation. These methods are used for wooden structures or properties that are too sensitive for chemical application. You can use this for any kind of termite.
Physical Barriers for Crawl Space Termite Treatment
Pest control professionals handle crawl space infestation with physical barriers, baits, or entry point sealing.
Thermal Imaging & Detection
Advanced tools and technologies, such as infrared or microwave scanners, are used for detecting hidden termites without damaging the property. It ensures a proper eradication.
Soil Treatment
This method involves applying termiticides to the soil around the infested areas. Professionals identify the infested areas and apply the soil treatment for a complete solution.
Prevention Measures for Termites in Singapore
- Remove wood-to-soil contact. Keep wooden structures away.
- Seal entry points such as holes in concrete, cracks, exit points, holes in the woods, and so on.
- Schedule regular termite inspections from licensed professionals.
- Remove any moisture sources like leaky pipes, poor drainage, and others.
- Remove wood debris and tree stumps from your property.
- Try to store firewood away from the home.
- Use termite-resistant building materials when building the house.
- Ensure enough ventilation and air circulation in crawl spaces.
Don’t wait until the damage gets worse; book a professional termite inspection today! Visit Termite Specialist Pte Ltd’s office at 50 Bukit Batok Street 23, #05-30 MIDVIEW BUILDING, Singapore 659578 or call us at +65 6910 3776 for an appointment to protect your home from costly infestations. Get directions.