Are you worried about the dangers of termites? You have come to the right place! With an in-depth understanding of termite behavior, we’ll show you how these troublesome critters can cause serious damage to your Malaysian home. So if you want to stay one step ahead of them, keep reading!
Cracked and damaged walls and structures
Termites are one of the most destructive pests found in Malaysia, causing millions of ringgit worth of damage to buildings each year. Typical signs of termite activity include cracked and damaged walls, floors, and structures as well as hollow-sounding wood.
Termite damage is often confused with water damage but the signs are very different – for instance, water damage usually appears in a circular pattern while termites always follow a straight line.
Termites feed voraciously on wood and plywood that has been soaked in water, which makes it even more vulnerable to destruction if not checked in the early stages. As they feed on wood, they weaken its structural integrity, resulting in cracks appearing along walls or ceilings where the termites have made their paths. In some cases, this can even lead to risk of collapse if left unchecked for too long!
Another telltale sign of termite attack is hollow sounding timbers or structural beams – when you tap on a suspected area there should be no hollow sound indicating that the timber may have potentially been weakened by termite attack. If this is observed then we recommend bringing in professional help right away to assess if any major repairs need to be done before further destruction occurs!
Unsightly appearances of mud tubes
Termites have a variety of methods to damage your home, but among the most common in Malaysia are the unsightly appearance of mud tubes. These dark tunnels are made from soil, saliva, and excrement, and further, serve as protection for the termites and their nests.
As a result of their mud tubes, homeowners may find them in or around the home on areas such as walls, siding or even window frames. The presence of these tubes indicates a mature nest and should be addressed before the nest spreads out of control.
Additionally, mud tubes can also be found outside on any part of the structure such as fences or even in trees.
Unstable and weakened home structures
Termites in Malaysia can be particularly damaging to home structures. Their strength in numbers often results in the application of enough pressure to destabilize and weaken large sections of your home, compromising it’s integrity through weakened wood or drywall. Homes infested by termite colonies experience problems with ceiling or floor collapse, over time.
These termite colonies have multiple entry points and can cause damage to homes that often goes unnoticed for years until it is too late and serious remedial action needs to be taken.
Furthermore, termites often take up residence inside walls, resulting in expansive damage along long stretches of weakened wall board or drywall before they are uncovered. In extreme cases where the termites make their way up into attics or crawlspaces, they can cause extensive damage to the foundations of a home leading to increased risk of collapse.
It is important to regularly check your home for any signs of a potential infestation, as well as keep an eye out for broken wood dust on exterior decks and other areas were moisture tends to accumulate such as windowsills, door frames and foundations where they could enter your home looking for food sources. Regularly scheduled termite control specialists in Malaysia should also be considered if you notice any unusual activity that could be indicative of a termite infestation.
Malfunctioned doorframes and windows
Termite infestations in Malaysia can be particularly damaging due to the high moisture levels found in and around homes. Wood-destroying termites thrive in humid, damp climates, and if left unchecked, they can easily cause a significant amount of damage to the house’s wooden doorframes and windows. If the termites go undetected for long enough, they will create wide channels through both types of wooden structures. These holes make it easy for water to seep inside and can lead to rotting wood as well as crumbling or warped paint.
Inspecting your windows and doorframes is one of the best ways to prevent termite damage before it becomes a serious issue. Visible evidence of tunneling could indicate an existing infestation—a problem that should be addressed immediately before more damage is done. It is recommended that homeowners inspect their properties regularly for signs of wood-destroying organisms such as damp wood, sawdust piles or other proof of infestation.
Recurring frass and droppings lying around
Termites are known as silent destroyers due to their secretive nature and the fact that they often work undetected. You may think none exists when your house is affected by these insects, but one of the tell-tale signs is the presence of frass, a combination of solid waste and termite droppings.
These droppings usually occur in piles near wood materials in order to eliminate its moisture content. This form of faecal pellets resemble sawdust like grains, ranging from 6.4mm (1/4 inch) to 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) in length from one end to another, and narrowly cylindrical views from its cross-section. They appear light brown or even darker depending on species type which can have a negative effect towards your home’s cleanliness if it is left unchecked for extended periods of time.
Additionally, you are likely to spot:
- small tunnels through your wooden structures which termites may have used for relocation;
- these tunnels often appear along with soil and other debris being scattered across your premise flooring;
- visible wings around frames or crevices near windows that could signify recent swarming activities by reproductive termites recently hatched colonies.
Damage to furniture and personal belongings
Termites cause damage to furniture and personal belongings by consuming cellulose materials such as the glue that binds certain types of furniture, untreated bamboo branches, and paper products. In Malaysia, termites eat through roof and walls to gain access to food sources like wood lathe, flooring or insulation weakening the structure of a house. This can contribute to structural damage which affects the safety of occupants in the home.
Termite Infestation also causes damage to clothing, shoes and other fabrics made from animal hides like leather or suede. Termites can penetrate closet walls where items are stored and feed on them until they become unusable. In addition, termite infestations can be found in books such as paperbacks or manuscripts that have been kept away in humid environments, resulting in large-scale loss of precious artifacts or items with sentimental value.
Lastly, termites are capable of destroying valuable electronic equipment such as computers by eating through wiring that is linked into walls or between pieces of equipment. Care should be taken when dealing with these invasive pests as this will not only cause potential property damages but the loss of valuable articles within homes that cannot be replaced.
Conclusion
Ultimately, termites can cause great amounts of damage to any structure, including houses in Malaysia. If a home shows any signs of termite activity, homeowners need to take action quickly and call a professional pest control company to inspect and treat their home.
DIY treatments may not be enough and rarely offer complete protection against future attacks. Investing in quality termite extermination services is the best way to keep your home safe from these destructive pests.