Termites are destructive pests that are attracted to moisture, humidity and cellulose. Besides wood, termites are also known to chew through important documents, books and cardboards. When termites infest a building or property, they can cause significant damage to its structure including walls, floors and even furniture. Furthermore, termite damage can weaken a building’s structural integrity, making it unsafe for activities.
A termite infestation usually goes unnoticed for a period of time until signs of termite damage show. Therefore, termites are extremely challenging to control once they’ve established a colony on the property. This makes it important to treat any signs of termite infestation early to further damage.
In this article, Bingo Pest shares common termite damage that we’ve encountered and how you can take measures to prevent a termite infestation.
Common Termite Damage in Singapore
The extensiveness of termite damage in Singapore can vary depending on several factors such as the severity of infestation, type of termites infesting your property and the length of time of the infestation. Based on the type of termite damage, most of them can result in costly and time-consuming repairs.
Cosmetic Damage
Subterranean termites build and travel within mud tubes as they infest a property or building. These mud tubes can leave unsightly marks on walls, floorings, cupboards and skirtings. Furthermore, when termites feed, they create air pockets between the wood and surfaces, which can cause paint or wallpaper to buckle or bubble.
Structural Damage
Wood makes up many structures in a building and property. These may include door frames, beams, ceiling boards, partitions and roofs. When these structures are damaged and eaten by termites, it may result in health and safety risks, making the building unsafe for its occupants to carry out daily activities.
Functional Damage
Furniture and built-in carpentry may also be affected by termite damage. Termites feed from inside out and these items may become unusable as they are hollow from the termite activities, leaving only a thin layer on the surface. In addition, termites may infest switchboards and electrical panels, which can lead to malfunctions, short circuits or even fires.
Emotional Damage
It can be frustrating to clean up frass or faecal pellets from drywood termites. These faecal pellets are grainy droppings left behind by drywood termites after feeding. They may be found near sources of drywood termite infestation including bed frames, skirting boards and built-in cabinets. Furthermore, a termite infestation can result in a large number of discarded wings from flying termites or alates. It may cause frustration to clean up these wings while having to deal with a termite infestation.
In addition, damaged items that are of sentimental value may never be recovered and can lead to permanent loss. Owners may have to manage the emotional distress in such situations.
Lastly, termite damage can lead to significant financial burden for home and business owners, especially if the damage is extensive and requires substantial repairs or replacements. Moreover, termite damage is usually not covered by insurance, hence adding to the financial stress.
Financial damage
In severe cases, termite damage may require the replacement of the entire section of walls or floors. Besides the cost of repairs, homeowners may also experience a decrease in property value due to termite damage. Properties with a history of termite infestations can also face more challenges during the selling process. Owners may even be required to lower the price of the property.
Cost of Repairing Termite Damage
The cost involved to repair and replace termite damage can vary widely depending on factors such as:
Extent of damage
Material involved
Number items or structures to replace
Level of difficulty for replacement and repair
While some termite damage can be comparatively minor and require little repairs, some can be extensive with major repairs such as reinstating a fallen roof. Spotting early signs of a termite infestation can help minimise the cost of repairs as damage is fairly minimal. On average, repairs for small-scale termite damage in Singapore such as painting and replacing furniture or built-in carpentry items can cost between $250 to $1,500.
On the other hand, more severe damage can be done when a termite infestation is detected late. In such cases with medium to serious damage, the cost of repair to replace structural components such as beams, flooring or walls can cost between $2,000 to $6,000.
In addition to the cost of repairs, homeowners may also need to pay for termite treatments to control existing infestation and prevent future ones. The cost of termite control can also vary depending on the type of treatment, size of property and level of infestation. Learn more about the price of termite control and how to choose the best termite control plan here.
How to Prevent Termite Damage?
Avoiding termite damage and activities begin with taking proactive steps to prevent infestations and detect them early. It is important to address termite damage promptly as or soon as signs of infestation show to prevent further damage and minimise cost of repairs. However, as termites tend to migrate to another area when disturbed, it is best to engage an expert in termite control when you spot signs of termites on your property to prevent the infestation from worsening.
Additionally, regular termite inspections by a professional pest control company can help identify and address termite activities before it causes any significant damage, potentially reducing the financial burden that may come with the infestation.
Finally, conducting necessary repairs and home improvements such as sealing up cracks and crevices on the property’s foundation such as walls and roofs can help prevent termites from entering. Essentially, it is best to contact a termite control specialist to assess the condition of your property and offer preventive tips to keep termites away.
Get Rid of Termites on Your Property
Contact the best termite control specialist at Bingo Pest if you suspect a termite infestation on your property. We offer the expertise and knowledge to eliminate termites and protect your property from further termite damage with our competitively-priced plans. Call us at 65179989 to discuss your requirements and schedule a free termite consultation today.
