Termites can do extensive damage to the interior and exterior of your home. There are 3 major types of termites found in South Africa. We took a closer look at the difference between these types and where they occur in South Africa.
Drywood Termites (commonly known as Woodborer)
Cryptotermes spp. (native)ย
Drywood termites make their nests in wood, making them particularly harmful if you have a large range of wooden furniture, wooden roof timbers or floors at your home. They eat wood from the inside out, so are more difficult to detect. If an infestation is not detected early enough, the wooden structures or floors will need to be replaced.
Location: Predominantly the coastal areas of South Africa, especially eastern Kwazulu Natal and Eastern Cape, but can also be found all over South Africa
Subterranean Termites (commonly known as White Ants)
Coptotermes spp
Even though these termites live underground, due to their need for food, they have to surface at times. To make it safer for them to move around above ground searching for food, they make mud-tunnels. These tunnels protect them against their enemies and help keep their bodies soft and moist through being able to control the humidity in the tunnels. Subterranean termites are the most destructive of species found in South Africa and feed off all potentially all timber inside buildings, decking and also damages plants and trees outside.
Location: Mostly found in the Western Cape and Gauteng, although prevalent countrywide.
Dampwood Termites (commonly known as Harvester Ants)
Neotermes spp
Where other types of termites mostly feed on wood, Dampwood Termites prefer grass, making them particularly worrisome and destructive if you have a lawn. They have also been known to infest thatch roofs and if not treated in time, youโll have to replace all the thatch.
Location: Everywhere in South Africa
If you are not sure if you have a termite infestation, read this informative article we did before on how to identify a termite infestation.
If you are still unsure and you want us to come and inspect your property, Contact Service Master today to get the best pest control solution for your termite infestation!
