Pest Control Cape Town – Pest Managers | Fumigation Services

Termite Species

Termites

Termites also called white ants or wood ants can be a very stressfull discovery for any property owner. We have written a guide and treatment process for termite control. Pest Managers is an accredited Termite Control Specialist. Pest Managers can assist with all forms of termite control in Cape Town.

Termite Species

There are three species of Termites we find in residential areas of South Africa

Drywood Termites

Family Cryptotermes

Drywood termites are social insects that infest dry wood without coming into contact with soil. The thin, oval-shaped bodies of drywood termites are light brown and generally shed their veiny wings within minutes of landing, indicating their presence.

Drywood Termites
Color Light brown
Legs 6
Shape Long, narrow, oval
Size 9.5mm to 12.5mm
Antennae True

Habits and behaviors of drywood termites

As opposed to subterranean termites, drywood termites have no worker caste – immature termites perform the work before becoming adults. These termites often cause major damage before they are discovered, as they live in colonies of up to 2,700 individuals.

Termite soldiers can easily be identified by their large mandibles, which are often wider than their heads.

Are Drywood Termites capable of creating Mud Tubes?

 In contrast to other species of termites, drywood termites do not dig mud tubes to build thriving colonies. Drywood termites leave behind erratic, smooth galleries that seldom follow the wood’s grain.

When Do Drywood Termites Swarm?

From August through November, drywood termites typically swarm during the late summer or fall months. Drywood termites fly to new homes and buildings in search of wood to infest. Within months of colonization, they can cause significant structural damage. In addition, drywood termites create “kick-out” holes to push excrement through wood – leaving behind mounds that resemble sawdust.

How to Prevent Drywood Termites

By storing firewood and scrap wood at least 10 meters from homes and structures, drywood termites can be avoided. Since drywood termites form new colonies by gaining access to wood through small holes, it is important to seal all cracks and crevices in a building.

Signs of a Drywood Termite Infestation

Termites, especially in warm, rainy weather, will produce swarms of winged males and females, which fly off to start new colonies. A colony of termites can also be identified by mounds of their distinctive, sand-like fecal pellets called frass.

Subterranean Termites

Family Coptotermes

Subterranean termites live in underground colonies. They prefer moist, secluded areas below ground. The colonies can contain up to two million members.

A subterranean termite’s appearance depends on its caste. Workers are cream-colored and 9.5mm to 25mm long, while soldiers have powerful mandibles, brown heads, and cream-colored bodies. A reproductive termite is approximately an inch long and looks like a winged ant. It is often possible to distinguish reproductive subterranean termites from drywood termites by the dark vein running through their wings.

Subterranean Termites

Color

Creamy brown

Legs

6

Shape

Long, narrow, oval

Size

12.5mm

Antennae

True

Habits of Subterranean Termites

In order to reach food sources, subterranean termites build tunnels using mud. Their diet involves wood and products containing cellulose, as does that of other termite species. Subterranean termites swarm in spring and begin new colonies by flying away.

Subterranean Termite Tubes & Habitat

A subterranean termite must be in contact with soil to survive and thrive underground, which is why they build their distinctive “mud tubes” (sometimes called “termite tubes”) to reach food sources and to protect their colonies from the open air. Even cracks in concrete can be penetrated by these industrious termites.

Potential Threats

Subterranean termites cause over R32 billion in damages every year. Subterranean termites can collapse entire buildings, causing financial ruin to homeowners and businesses. Termites use their saw-toothed jaws to bite off small pieces of wood one by one.

Dampwood Termites

Family Coptotermes

As the name suggests, dampwood termites damage wood with high moisture content. It is common for dampwood termites to be larger than other types of termites.

dampwood-termite

ColorCreamy white to brown
Legs6
ShapeLong, narrow, oval
Size25mm
AntennaeTrue

Habits

Like drywood termites, dampwood termites have no worker caste. The nymph dampwood termites feed the soldier caste and care for the colony’s kings and queens. Tunnels with smooth walls, as if sandpapered, connect the chambers in wood.

Habitat

Dampwood termites are usually found in logs, stumps, dead trees, fence posts and utility poles.

Threats

Due to their need for excessive moisture, dampwood termites rarely infest structures. However, dampwood termites can cause significant property damage if they are attracted to a structure. A total of $5 billion in property damage is caused by dampwood termites and other termite species every year.

Our Reviews

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Rico HattinghRico Hattingh
06:19 20 Sep 22
We had endless problems of Ants for years and have tried every single product and service possible, but to no avail, until we were referred to Phillip from Pest Managers who only did one treatment. They spent a few hours around the house and literally now a year later, I have not seen 1 ant. This is really the Best choice that I've made ever.
Ryan DunneRyan Dunne
09:24 14 Sep 22
I contacted Pest Managers to get rid of a Yellow Jacket Wasp infestation. The team was very professional, as well as knowledgeable.I would certainly make use of their services again, and can highly recommend them.
Kelly LaubscherKelly Laubscher
06:54 13 Sep 22
Pest Managers did an excellent job taking care of our Ant pest control problem. Their efficiency, effectiveness, and timeliness were top notch. The granule bait they used was taken immediately by the ants and three months later, they haven't returned! They were friendly, knowledgeable, and I felt like I got professional pest control service. Clicked on Pest Managers when searching for Pest Control Cape Town, contacted them and received the friendliest service agent. Within 24 hours of making the booking, the guys were at our site for an inspection and treatment! It was a pleasure to work with such a well-organized company. Excellent service at an affordable price! I would like to thank you for the excellent service you provided.
Mark CohenMark Cohen
15:32 24 Aug 22
Bird-proofing - wires and spikes. Very professional and friendly service from start to finish - recommend them highly!!
Laurie BrunsLaurie Bruns
09:39 28 Jan 22
Very professional, friendly service. Took care of many many wasp nests around the house quickly and efficiently. Highly recommend!
Louette NelLouette Nel
15:10 27 Jan 22
Pest Managers assisted me to sort out birds nesting in my ceiling. Since the first time I contacted them, they were very professional, prompt and frequently communicated timelines and expected contact days. Both teams that came (for the quote and actual service) were friendly, on time and very professional. Hopefully I would not need their services again soon, but I'll gladly recommend them.
Winnie BurgerWinnie Burger
11:42 09 Nov 21
Brilliant service for hard to reach bird nest in a triple volume room. Supplied scaffolding and took utmost care not to damage bespoke light fittings and cabinetry. Cleaned up afterwards - left room spic-and-span. Most professional (and friendly) service from start to finish.
Yaw OppongYaw Oppong
13:32 30 Mar 21
I had birds in my roof, i got a few quotes, not only were they the cheapest, there was such great service received from Adrian during the call out. They came and did the job today and a great experience once again. Here's to hoping the tenants in my roof find a more suitable place to call home 🙂
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