Termite Infestation: Signs, Damage & Treatment Options

Termites are known as “silent destroyers” they can eat away at your property without you even knowing. In Malaysia’s humid climate, termite infestations are very common and can affect homes, offices, restaurants, and even new buildings under construction.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• What termites are and how they behave

• Signs of a termite infestation

• The damage termites can cause

• Treatment options (corrective, baiting, pre/post-construction)

• Prevention and long-term protection
  
   

What Are Termites?

Termites are wood destroying insects that feed on cellulose, found in wood, paper, cardboard, and even drywall. They live in colonies and work silently, often undetected until serious damage is done.

Malaysia is home to several types of termites, but the most common are:

• Subterranean termites – Live underground, enter buildings through the soil

• Drywood termites – Nest inside wooden furniture or beams

• Dampwood termites – Found in decaying, moist wood
  
   

Common Signs of a Termite Infestation

If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to call a professional immediately.


 

 How Termites Cause Damage

Termites don’t sleep — they eat 24/7. In a short time, they can cause serious structural damage to:

• Wooden door and window frames

• Skirting, floorboards, ceiling panels

• Cabinet interiors and furniture

• Office partitions and built-ins

• Stored documents or cardboard boxes

• Wooden pallets in warehouses

The worst part? Most property insurance doesn’t cover termite damage, so prevention is key.

 

Termite Treatment Options

At PestSol Sdn Bhd, we offer several treatment methods depending on the type and severity of infestation:

1. Corrective Soil Treatment

For active infestations (usually in landed properties)

• Drill & inject termiticide into soil around the building

• Creates a chemical barrier termites can’t cross

• Common for homes and ground-level shop lots

2. Baiting System

For long-term colony elimination

• Termites are lured to bait stations

• They carry the toxic bait back to the nest

• Slowly kills the entire colony, including the queen

• Suitable for offices, condominiums, and warehouses

3.  Pre-Construction Soil Treatment

Applied during early stages of building

• Soil is treated with termiticide before foundation is poured

• Prevents termites from attacking once building is complete

• Essential for developers and renovation contractors

4.  Post-Construction Barrier Treatment

For existing buildings without current infestation

• Preventive method

• Creates a barrier around the perimeter to keep termites out

• Recommended after renovations or repairs
  
   

Tips to Prevent Termite Problems

Whether you’ve had termites before or not, prevention is the best approach:

• Fix leaking pipes and moisture problems

• Avoid wood-to-soil contact around your property

• Keep wooden furniture dry and away from damp walls

• Don’t store cardboard boxes on the floor long-term

• Schedule annual termite inspections
  
   

Who Should Be Concerned?

• Homeowners – Especially landed property with garden soil

• Restaurants & cafés – Wooden interiors or old shoplots

• Hostels & accommodations – Shared wooden beds, cabinets

• Offices & retail – Drywall, partitions, paper storage

• Warehouses – Wooden pallets and packaging materials

• Contractors/Developers – Must ensure new buildings are treated