City launches bug battle as termites invade residential buildings

Termites are invading residential buildings in Shanghai, with multiple reports of infestations over the past weekend. However, experts say the city-wide battle against the disturbing bugs is yet to go into full swing but warn that it might intensify in just a few days, driven by changes in temperature and humidity.

On May 16 and 17, colonies of termites were spotted in several residential compounds in downtown Shanghai's Xinhua, Anfu, Yuyuan and Huaihai M. roads.

"The main species of termites active in Shanghai is the Formosan subterranean termite, and their swarming and reproductive activities are highly sensitive to temperature, humidity and air pressure," Hu Jian, a technician with PestAway Shanghai Ruijifu Environment Technology Co Ltd, explained to Xinmin Evening News.

"The average temperature in Shanghai during the spring and summer seasons (especially from May to July) is close to the ideal range for termite swarming and reproduction, with sultry evenings being the peak period for termite attacks."

Every year in May and June, when the weather is humid and sultry, termite colonies build passages to the outside to facilitate the flight of reproductive termites (winged adults) to establish new nests in preparation for swarming. And rooms with closed windows, especially attics and lofts with poor ventilation, tend to be warmer and more humid and therefore are more prone to termite attacks, he added.

On when a large-scale termite attack is likely to occur in the city, Hu said that according to on-site monitoring and surveys, the Formosan subterranean termite entered the swarming period on May 16 and may continue for two to three weeks, with multiple swarms.

The possibility of a large-scale concentrated swarming happening depends on changes in temperature, humidity and air pressure, and it could occur at any time in the next few days. According to the weather forecast for this week, May 20 and 21 (Tuesday and Wednesday) are considered "high-risk days."

In terms of termite control, Hu, who boasts decades of experience in the field, shared some basic principles that are suitable for residents to apply in their daily lives.

Every year in May and June, residents should pay special attention to changes in the climate and be mentally prepared for termite prevention.

"Termite outbreaks have a characteristic of sudden bursts. As night falls and termites swarm everywhere, if your windows are wide open, termites may fly into your home. If termites successfully invade and find a suitable place inside the room, they may develop a new nest," he told the newspaper. "During the termite swarming period, in addition to closing windows in time, turning off lights is also important, and the use of aerosol insecticides should be avoided."

Whether invading termites can reproduce in your home depends on whether they can find a place with both water sources and suitable living conditions.

Hu said that according to their years of termite control experience, more than 95 percent of homes where termites are found have different types of seepage and leakage problems.

"When the environmental humidity is below 20 percent, termites will dehydrate and die within 48 hours. And the humidity in seepage areas is often above 70 percent, which then forms a local micro-climate shelter suitable for termite survival."

"So never underestimate the problem of seepage and leakage in your home. Once it is confirmed that termites have 'settled' in your home, it is recommended to have professional pest control personnel handle the situation," Hu emphasized.

1. What do you know about termite damage?

Termites are insects that have a tremendous destructive capability against wood. They feed on wood, nesting and reproducing within it while also secreting acidic compounds that degrade it. Termite infestations can have major effects if not found and treated promptly, including structural damage to buildings, furniture deformation and damage to books and paper.

2. How can you know if your home has termites?

If you observe muddy secretions (also known as "termite trails") or small holes on furniture, wooden flooring or wall surfaces, termites have most likely infested your home. Be wary if you discover pale yellow or light brown, granular termite excrement within the home.

3. How can you prevent and control termites?

(1) Keep the room clean and tidy.

Clean the house regularly, remove trash and debris that tend to attract termites, and keep the indoor environment clean and tidy.

(2) Do not pile up debris.

Do not pile up debris on stairs or in dark corners, avoid collecting dry branches, waste or construction materials outdoors.

(3) Regularly inspect the house.

Regularly inspect the wood inside the house, especially moisture-prone areas such as wooden furniture, doors and windows. If you detect any signs of termite activity, take prompt action.

(4) Install window screens in advance.

Installing window screens will prevent termites from flying into your home during the city's termite breeding season, which runs from March to July.

(5) Consult experts.

If you suspect signs of termite activity, promptly consult, inspect and seek treatment from experts.

4. Precautions

(1) Do not blindly use insecticides.

Indiscriminate use of insecticides may cause damage to buildings and harm to humans, as well as disturb termites, causing them to scatter and expand the scope of damage.

(2) Promptly address termite damage.

Dealing with termite damage promptly and without delay is crucial. Otherwise, termites reproduce rapidly and can easily lead to more serious consequences.

5. Remedies

Here are two remedies for preventing and controlling termites:

(1) Register and log in to the "随申办" or "上海物业" mini program. In the search service section, enter "白蚁防治单位" to search for termite control enterprises by administrative district.

(2) Phone

For inquiries, please call the Shanghai public service hotline at 12345 or the property service hotline at 962121.

Notice: Currently, there are termite control businesses in all 16 districts of the city. Residents can choose termite control companies nearby according to their actual situation for on-site extermination.