Termite Control
Termites are wood-eating insects that can cause severe damage in houses and other wooden structures. They are one of the most dangerous and most harmful insects as they build passages and entrances that are difficult to reach. Termites damage papers, books, and wood in buildings and libraries, and sometimes the infestation damages entire houses and furniture. Because of their different tendencies and behaviors, specific control procedures are used for each termite species.
Termites are widespread in Amman and Jordan, and our team always advises to avoid treating termites without an engineering consultation and to immediately contact a pest control company specialized in termite control as soon as an infestation is discovered and prevent its aggravation.
Bash Services offers specialized solutions designed to effectively and efficiently control and prevent pests from spreading infestation within your house or workplace. Our use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques focuses on finding and treating the source of pests.
About Termites
Termite colonies contain three main social groups: workers, soldiers, and the reproductive group. The workers make up most of the colony, they have no wings, and they are the ones who damage the building, while soldiers have brown color, own wings, and an extended lower jaw. They are the ones who defend the colony from the attacks of aggressors such as ants. Those in the reproductive group have black or dark brown color and own two pairs of identical wings. Each colony has one or more queens whose primary function is to lay eggs to grow up the colony and support it with new members. Termites consist of three parts of the body: a head with a pair of antennae, a thorax, and an abdomen.
The most common termite species in Jordan
There are three different types of termites: Subterranean Termites , Dampwood Termites , and Drywood Termites .
1. Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites have a voracious appetite, and can cause significant damage to wooden structures – including your home. This species of termite builds tunnels (called mud tubes) in the soil beneath your property. These tunnels can branch upwards into any wood that makes contact with the soil, giving them potential access to your home. They can also build mudtubes from the soil, over concrete foundations or through cracks in the foundation to access the wood in the house. Once a termite colony takes root, these relentless pests can chew through that wood to create more tunnels and feed on the cellulose found in wood, potentially compromising the structural integrity of a building.
- Size: The size of a subterranean termite depends on its group. The workers are one-eighth to three-eighths of an inch long, as well as the soldiers, but with larger heads and a stronger lower jaw. Those in the reproductive group are about 1 inch long.
- Color: Workers are cream-colored and pale. Soldiers are also lighter in color, but have darker heads. Supplementary reproductives are this same opaque shade, but primary reproductives are brown or black.
2. Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites, as their name suggests, are commonly found in moist or rotting wood. They are typically larger than drywood or subterranean termites, ranging in size between one-half to nearly one-inch in length. Like other termites, they consume the cellulose found in wood. However, dead or rotting wood – or even gutters clogged with damp, rotting leaves – can provide a particularly hospitable environment with an ample moisture supply that's required for these pests to thrive. Dampwood termites do not create shelter tubes, as subterranean termites do, and can live completely within the wood that they are eating. These termites plug openings into the wood they are infesting with fecal pellets (or “frass") to preserve humidity levels. Their cryptic behavior can keep them from being discovered for years.
- Size: When it comes to sheer size, dampwood termites are the largest termites in North America. In contrast, their colony sizes are among the smallest. Kings and queens measure between one-half to five-eighths of an inch in length. Nymphs can also grow to be five-eighths of an inch long, while soldiers can grow up to three-fourths of an inch in length.
- Color: Dampwood termites are generally brown in color, but can range from dark to light, and can even be reddish, especially towards their abdomens. Nymphs are cream-colored.
3. Drywood Termites
As in other species of termites, dry wood ants are organized into a caste system. Once the queen finds a good place for a colony (often in wooden structures), she chooses a mate or king and begins laying eggs. The eggs hatch and join the working caste that eats and destroys the wood and cares for the rest of the colony. Like other types of termites, this species eats cellulose found in wood and plants, and unlike subterranean ants, this species builds its nests in wood and not in soil. This is what makes wooden structures so attractive to them. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not need moist soil or nearby water to reproduce. These termites are often found in dry wood above ground level because they do not need water. The wood they eat provides the moisture they need to survive.
- Size: Soldiers are usually three-eighths of an inch in length. Reproductive is one-half of an inch in length.
- Color: Dry wood termites are usually pale brown, although they can vary between dark brown and light yellowish. It has wings that can be clear or dark gray in color. Dry wood ants usually have the color of the wood they eat.
How does a termite infestation looks like?
- Small holes in the wood
- After swarming, termites usually leave some of their wings behind. There may also be many of black or brown dead termites.
- Thin channels of mud
- A change in the shape of the wood surface
- Dry wood ants leave mounds of waste that look like sawdust or coffee grounds.
Important information!
You should pay close attention that the termites that emerge from the surrounding areas of the house, such as tree trunks and wooden piles, does not indicate that your home is infested with these insects from the inside.
But if you find winged termites near the foundation of the house or adjacent porches, there is a high chance that your house will be infected with this insect. Hence treatment in this case is necessary.
How to get rid of termites ?
Termites must be treated by trained specialists, as the wrong way to treat them may lead to their spread and exacerbate the problem. One of the most important ways to get rid of termites:
1. Liquid termite pesticides either by spraying the surroundings or by injecting the pesticide into the ground
2. Treating termites with powder
3. Treating termites with gel
4. Treating termites with foam
To learn how to apply the methods above, watch the video.
How can you prevent termites ?
1. Before construction, get rid of any cellulose materials and plant residues in the land that you will build on.
2. Let the specialists examine and inspect the land and treat it in case of injury, before you start building your property.
3. Use termite-resistant wood in areas where the wood must be in contact with the ground.
4. During and after construction, keep the soil around the foundation dry by monitoring drainage, checking, and maintaining pipes and drains, and keeping the site free of moisture.
5. Ensure that there is adequate drainage surrounding the foundation of the site.
6. Try to reduce as much as possible the openings that allow termites to reach the building structure by sealing cracks in the cement foundations.
7. Fix leaks immediately.
8. Make sure you are not planting trees and plants near the building structure and do not allow them to grow on wooden surfaces
9. Remove cellulose materials such as sawdust and wood within 25 feet of the site.
Read More:
What you should know about termites
Termite treatment - how to effectively eliminate termites
Frequently Asked Questions about Termite Control
The dry climate in Amman does not completely prevent termite infestations. Termites can find moisture around leaking pipes, bathrooms, kitchens, irrigation systems, damp soil, foundations, and other areas where moisture is available.
Because termite activity can remain hidden for a long time, an infestation may not be noticed until visible signs appear on wooden structures, floors, walls, doors, or other parts of the property.
- Mud tubes or narrow mud lines on walls, foundations, floors, or other surfaces.
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped or becomes weak, damaged, or crumbly.
- Doors or windows that suddenly become difficult to open or close.Swollen or damaged wooden surfaces and peeling or blistering paint.
- Winged termites or discarded wings, particularly around windows, doors, and lights.
- Small pellet-like droppings, which can be associated with drywood termites.
- Damage to parquet, wooden frames, cabinets, doors, or other woodwork.
Not every sign necessarily means that termites are currently active. Some damage may be old, which is why a professional inspection is important to determine whether there is active termite activity and how far it has spread.
During the inspection, the type of termite, areas of activity, possible entry points, and extent of the infestation can be assessed. This helps determine whether the problem is related to the soil, wooden structures, or both.
Early inspection is important because termites can remain hidden and continue damaging wood or other building components without being immediately visible.
For subterranean termites, liquid termite treatment may be applied to soil and targeted areas to create a protective barrier between the building and the termite colony. Depending on the structure of the property, access to the soil or concealed areas may require drilling holes at specific points so that the treatment can reach the required areas rather than simply being applied to visible surfaces.
For termite activity associated with wood, foam treatment may be used in suitable wooden components or concealed spaces. The treatment method depends on the type of wood, location, construction, and extent of the infestation.
If the affected area is beneath a parquet floor, parts of the parquet may need to be removed or unscrewed to allow access underneath. Floor tiles generally do not need to be removed for this type of treatment, although the exact method depends on the structure of the property and the location of the infestation.
The treatment is not simply a matter of spraying the area where termites were first seen. Because termite activity can extend into concealed areas or move between different parts of a building, the appropriate treatment scope is determined after inspecting the property.
- Straight antennae.
- A broad waist without a clearly narrowed middle section.
- Two pairs of wings that are similar in length.
- A relatively straight body shape.
Flying ants generally have:
- Bent or elbowed antennae.
- A noticeably narrow waist.
- Front wings that are longer than the rear wings.
- A more clearly segmented body.
If you are unsure, taking a clear photograph of the insect and the surrounding area can help with the initial assessment. However, an on-site inspection may still be required to determine whether there is an active infestation.
The main difference is where they live and how they establish their colonies.
Subterranean termites live in or around the soil. They can travel from the ground toward a building and may construct mud tubes to move through protected routes. Their colonies can be relatively large, and they can cause damage to wooden components after gaining access to a building.
Drywood termites, on the other hand, establish their colonies directly inside dry wood rather than in the soil. Their colonies are generally smaller, and the infestation can remain contained within individual wooden items or structures for some time.
Subterranean termites are generally more relevant to residential termite problems in Amman, while drywood termites are less common. Identifying the type of termite is important because the treatment method can differ significantly.
Moisture can also make certain areas more attractive to termites. Leaking plumbing, irrigation systems, damp soil close to foundations, and persistent moisture around kitchens or bathrooms can create favorable conditions.
Termites do not need to enter through an obvious opening such as a door. Their pathways can remain hidden beneath floors, behind walls, or within other parts of the building structure.
Termites do not feed on stone or concrete, but subterranean termites can travel through soil and create mud tubes over or around building materials to reach wooden components. They may eventually reach doors, wooden frames, cabinets, parquet, furniture, paper products, or other cellulose-based materials.
Cracks, construction joints, service penetrations, and other concealed areas can also provide pathways through or around parts of a building.
Therefore, having a stone or concrete structure does not eliminate the possibility of termite infestation.
The duration of termite treatment varies from one property to another and cannot be accurately determined before the property is inspected. It depends on several factors, including the size of the property, the type of termite, the extent of the infestation, the areas that require treatment, the construction and flooring, and how easily the affected areas can be accessed.
A localized infestation may require less treatment time, while a more extensive infestation can take longer, particularly when access to the soil, areas beneath flooring, or affected wooden structures requires additional preparation.
Treating the entire house may also take longer than treating a limited area, as the treatment scope may include areas that termites could use to enter or move through the building.
For this reason, the expected treatment duration is determined after the inspection, once the required treatment scope and appropriate treatment method have been identified.
Parquet flooring may need to be partially removed or unscrewed if access to the area underneath is necessary for treatment.
Ceramic or other tiled floors generally do not need to be removed. Depending on the construction, treatment may be carried out through carefully selected access points or by treating the relevant surrounding areas.
The exact method is determined during the inspection to achieve the required access while avoiding unnecessary removal of flooring.
Termites, particularly subterranean termites, can move through soil and concealed pathways and may reach different parts of a building without being visible. Treating only the room where termites were noticed may therefore leave other potential routes or affected areas untreated.
For this reason, the property should be inspected as a whole before deciding on the treatment scope.
For Bash’s termite treatment warranty, the entire house must be treated. A partial treatment of one room or one area does not qualify for the full-house warranty.
Termites can remain hidden inside wood, beneath floors, or in the soil, where ordinary household sprays may not reach them. Treating only the visible insects may also leave the underlying infestation untreated.
In some cases, inappropriate treatment can disturb termite activity and cause termites to move to another concealed area rather than solving the underlying problem.
Professional termite control is based on identifying the termite type, locating the activity, and selecting the appropriate treatment method for the property.
Before treatment, the technician should explain any precautions that apply to the property, including any areas that need to be temporarily cleared or avoided during application.
The treatment should always be carried out according to the product label, safety requirements, and the technician's instructions. If there are children, pets, or other special circumstances in the property, these should be communicated to the pest control team before treatment so the appropriate precautions can be taken.
The decision depends on the extent of the damage, whether there is active termite activity inside the furniture, the condition of the wood, and whether effective treatment is possible.
During the inspection, the affected furniture can be assessed to determine whether it can be treated or whether its condition makes disposal more appropriate.
Removing damaged furniture without identifying the source of the infestation may not solve the problem if termites are also active elsewhere in the property.
The treatment is carried out during the stages of building construction, when the soil is exposed and the areas to be treated can be accessed more easily. Implementing it at this stage helps reduce the need for digging or removing flooring to access the soil in the future in case of an infestation.
The stages and details of treatment vary according to the design of the building and the stage of construction, so the scope of treatment and the method of implementation are determined according to the site.
One of the most important benefits of termite control before construction is:
- Treating the soil while it is exposed and easily accessible.
- Creating a protective barrier against subterranean termites.
- Reducing the need for digging or removing flooring after the building is completed.
- Protecting the building from infestation from the early stages.
This is why proper inspection and treatment of the appropriate scope are important. Preventive measures such as fixing water leaks, controlling moisture, keeping wood and cardboard away from soil and walls, and managing irrigation around foundations can also help reduce the risk of future activity.
If termites or signs of activity are noticed after treatment, the property should be inspected again rather than simply applying household insecticide. For properties covered by Bash's termite treatment warranty, the appropriate follow-up is handled according to the warranty terms.
The warranty is linked to full-house treatment because termites can move between different areas of a property. Treating only one room or a limited section does not provide the same level of coverage and therefore does not qualify for the full 5-year warranty.
The specific terms and conditions of the warranty should be confirmed before treatment and included in the service agreement or quotation.
- The size of the property.
- The type of termite involved.
- The extent and severity of the infestation.
- The areas that need to be treated.
- The type of flooring and construction.
- The level of access to soil or concealed areas.
- The amount of work required to reach and treat the affected areas.
Termite treatment is generally more expensive than treatment for many other household pests because it can require significantly more technician time and physical work, specialized termite chemicals are more costly, and effective treatment requires specialized knowledge and experience.
For this reason, a proper inspection is important before providing a final quotation. The price should be based on the actual condition and treatment requirements of the property rather than a standard per-visit pest control price.
- Repair leaking pipes, taps, bathrooms, and other sources of moisture.
- Avoid allowing water to accumulate near foundations.
- Keep soil, plants, and irrigation systems from remaining in direct contact with the building where possible.
- Keep firewood, cardboard, timber, and other cellulose-based materials away from walls and soil.
- Check wooden door and window frames regularly for signs of damage.
- Pay attention to mud tubes, discarded wings, hollow-sounding wood, and other signs of termite activity.
- Keep kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and other potentially damp areas as dry as possible.
- Consider professional termite inspection, particularly if the property has a history of termite activity.
- For new buildings, consider pre-construction termite treatment while the soil is still accessible.
Prevention does not guarantee that termites will never appear, but reducing moisture and potential access routes can help reduce the conditions that support an infestation.