1.) Mud tubes. Subterranean termites will often make their nest in the soil (moisture source) and then build highways called "mud tubes" that run vertically or otherwise to connect the nest to a wooden food source. Mud tubes are a definite manifestetation of active termite infestation, but the absence of mud tubes does not mean that no infestations exist, since there are other ways that termites reach food sources.
2.) Damaged wood. Wood with sustained termite damage might look "crushed" at structural joints. If you tap the damaged wood with the end of the screwdriver or knife, you will hear a dull thud. Wood with termite damage can be further inspected by probing the surface with the screwdriver or pocket knife to expose tunnels. Subterranean termites excavate tunnels that run parallel to the grain.
3.) Piles of wings. Before swarmers enter the next stage of development, they will shed their wings which are often left in scattered piles near windows or light sources.
INSPECTION PROCEDURES
If the house has an attic and basement, they are included in the inspection. Our inspector uses a flashlight to peer into dark corners and in between beams and studs. We also use a Borescope to see between suspected double walls. Every room of the house is examined for damaged wood, pinholes in drywall, wood paneling or wallpaper and other indications of termite infestation.
If you tap the damaged wood with the end of the screwdriver, you will hear a dull thud. Wood suspected of termite damage can be further inspected by probing the surface with the screwdriver or pocket knife to expose tunnels.
USING BORESCOPES OR INSPECTION CAMERA
Sometimes our inspectors are requested to carry out invasive inspections to determine the presence or extent of termite damage behind walls.
Using a borescope is less destructive than removing wall sheets but these inspections have their limitations. Borescopes will show termite activity and damage.
Photo of our technician inspecting termites in a wall.
During termite inspections, there are different methods for detecting infestation but borescope inspection is carried out in areas which cannot be reached the other way. The ability of the borescopes to reach and inspect deep in the materials is the main reason they are used for termite inspection.
Pests, especially the termites are hard to detect until they cause a visible damage to your property and in most of the cases, the homeowners get too late to get it repaired. So, in order to ensure that your property is safe and secure from the pests, you can go for the borescope inspection. It will let you detect the termite activity at its early stage and thus, you can go for the timely solutions to prevent the further damage.
If you are still thinking that why you should go for borescope inspection, let’s remind you that it will eliminate the need of demounting the walls for detecting pests and will also save much of your time. Also, when it comes to the inspection using a borescope, you should always rely on the professional experts for the proper inspection. As you may not be experienced with its working and right way of use, you would not be able to do the inspection yourself. As borescopes detect only the particular area, the professionals effectively know where they should make the hole and insert the borescope for accurate inspection.
Moreover, when you will get your property inspected by the professionals, they will also recommend you the relevant treatment. Depending on the extent of pest infestation, they will let you know whether you should go for the termiticide treatment, baiting systems, or any other. So, rather than letting your home get ruined by termites, you must seek the help of professionals to deal with the problem before it gets serious.
TREATMENT PROCEDURES
Active subterranean termite infestation in your house or structure usually requires a two-step process to eliminate the infestation. If possible you will directly treat the active infestation found, and follow that up with a soil treatment or bait system to eliminate the portion of the colony that remains outside.
DIRECT TREATMENT OF TERMITE COLONY
DRILLING- Sometimes drilling is done when the surrounding perimeter is concreted to facilitate the entry of the soil injector beneath the slab.
INJECTING THE TERMITICIDE SOLUTION INTO THE DRILLED HOLES
When the surrounding perimeter has soil, the soil injector is directly inserted into the earth to inject the termiticide solution. Soil injection is used in lieu of a trench.
For more information please call us at 0927-365-2847 anytime and anywhere in the Philippines.
You can visit our website http://tekpest.com
