Termites are social insects that feed on cellulose, causing significant damage to wooden structures, furniture, books, and documents. Termite extermination is the process of eliminating and preventing these insects, being essential to protect property and avoid structural damage.

Types of Termites

• Drywood Termites: Live inside the wood, forming galleries. Signs include small holes and wood dust.
• Subterranean Termites: Build nests in the soil and attack wood in contact with the ground. Build mud tubes.
• Arboreal Termites: Make nests in trees and can attack nearby structures.

Signs of Termite Infestation

• Small holes in the wood
• Wood dust (sawdust) under furniture
• Mud tubes on the walls
• Hollow wood when tapped
• Termite wings found near windows
• Weakened wooden structures

Termite Extermination Methods

1. Injection Treatment

Injection of termiticide directly into infested wood through strategic holes. Effective for drywood termites.

2. Spraying

Application of insecticide on wood surfaces and risk areas. Creates a protective barrier.

3. Termiticide Baits

Special baits that are carried by worker termites to the colony, eliminating the entire population.

4. Chemical Barrier in the Soil

Treatment of the soil around the construction to prevent subterranean termites.

Termite Prevention

• Keep the wood dry and well-ventilated
• Avoid direct contact of wood with the ground
• Use treated wood in constructions
• Maintain good drainage around the house
• Perform regular inspections on furniture and structures
• Remove dead wood and debris from the backyard

Preventive termite extermination is always more economical than corrective treatment. Regular inspections can detect infestations early, avoiding greater damage.