HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM ANAY
As a tropical country, the Philippines provides a very suitable habitat for the breeding of termites. To feed their ever-growing colony, they devour wood and wood in the soil.
“There are only two types of homes in the Philippines, those with termites and those, which will be infested with termites,” shares Antonio A. Sarmiento Jr. of Julant Pest Control Inc. “My room fell victim to termites, my brother’s room before that. And while working on my room, we discovered that it is starting to feed on our parents’ room.”
The Sarmientos contacted a pest control management firm to come to their house to eradicate them and prevent termites to “eat” their walls and floor.
They also found out that the termites came from the abandoned unit beside their house.
“Emergency renovation is not something you would normally anticipate like health emergencies,” Sarmiento adds. “In short, we all learned the hard way.”
This emergency bedroom renovation due to anay brought a dent to Sarmiento’s 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,” he adds. “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!”
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TERMITES
I talked to Rodrin Buenaventura of J-Pest Management Services to share tips on how to protect your homes from “anay.”
PHILIPPINE STAR: Please give a brief background of your company.
RODRIN BUENAVENTURA:
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 in turn become larvae. The larvae become workers, soldiers or nymphs. Workers may turn into apterous reproductives depending on the needs of the colony. Nymphs, however, either turn into brachypterous reproductives or alates (termite flyers or gamogamo). 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, 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. or mound building termites.