In the Philippines, termites are the “evil” twin sister of unprotected homes. Feeding on moisture from wood and wood to soil contact, which the tropical humidity incubates to increase their colony.
As Antonio A. Sarmiento Jr. of Julant Pest Control Inc. said, “There are only two types of homes in the Philippines, those with termites and those which will be infested with termites.”
My room fell victim to termites, my brother’s room before that. While working on my room, we discovered that the colony was starting to feed on our parents’ room. We had a pest control management come to our house some years back to prevent termites on our walls and floor.
Also, the unit right beside our home was vacant and no one came to check on it since the owners already moved to the US. And so, we weren’t surprised when the workers told us that the termites came from the abandoned house.
Emergency renovation is not something you would normally anticipate like health emergencies. In short, we all learned the hard way.
Below is my conversation with Rodrin Buenaventura of J-Pest Management Services, who shared tips on how t. anay prevention in your homes.
POINTS & PERSPECTIVES: Please give a brief background of your company.
RODRIN BUENAVENTURA: Our company J-Pest Management Services is a company affiliated with Julant Pest Control Inc. We started our company in 2005, when we saw the need to bring pest control service to other areas not currently serviced by Julant. We aim to bring excellent service by using only safe, effective, and environment friendly chemicals and methods.
What is the life cycle of termites?
Termites have a relatively complex life cycle in which the termite queen, together with the king, produce eggs, which become immatures or larvae. The larvae become workers, soldiers or nymphs. Workers may turn into apterous reproductives depending on the need of the colony. Nymphs, however, either turn into brachypterous reproductives or alates (termite flyers or gamo-gamo). All of the reproductives aim to either expand the colony or establish a different one if there is a threat to the existing colony.
What are the causes and how can we prevent termites?
Termites exist to decompose wood and wood products and bring them back to the soil. They provide moisture and nutrients in the soil, which in turn can be used by new plant growth in the ecosystem. In a tropical country like ours, termites exist and are active all year round. Termite alates or gamo-gamo can be observed during the start of the rainy season or during the humid months of May or June.
In order to prevent termites from entering our homes, to put it simply, we should remove wood to soil contact and prevent moisture on wood. Leaks under kitchen sinks should be fixed right away, as well as in toilets and other areas of the house. Cracks on floors or walls should be fixed and sealed to prevent termite entry. Lastly, seek the help of a qualified termite management professional.
What are popular myths about termite prevention and treatment?
Termitaria or termite mounds are called “punso” locally, which is believed to be the home of a “nuno” or bad spirit. Hence the term, “nuno sa punso.” Until now, there are still people who believe that demolishing these mounds can bring bad luck or sickness. In truth, termite mounds are homes to macrotermes spp.ormound building termites.
For inquiries, call J-Pest Management at 0917-8985579 / 0917-8435265.
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Of course, this emergency bedroom renovation due to anay brought a mini dent to my pocket, but I’m glad I went full force in not just renovating, but purging stuff no longer needed as these are like termites that feed on your energy.
Letting go of mementos, however precious, is difficult but when they no longer serve a purpose and are no longer aligned to my present then it’s best to let them go. After 15 XXL black trash bags later, I can truly say that my room is truly breathing, and the quality of my sleep improved five times over.