Termites in Houses

Written by: Samira Haleemzai

Termites are small, pale soft-bodied insects that live in large colonies. Most of them feed on wood and can be highly destructive to trees and timber.

Termites are divided into 3 types: subterranean; dry-wood and damp-wood termites.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some people and an agricultural expert about this aphid.

Alifshah, a resident of Parwan province says, “Termites are very dangerous insects. They destroyed the timbers of our room and the ceiling fell and we faced about 250 thousand Afghanis loss.”

Jawid Orbal, a resident of Ahmad Shahbaba Mena, district, 12 of Kabul city says, “When we shifted to a rental house in Kabul, the house had damp. Termites had destroyed the timbers of the ceiling. One day the ceiling fell and some members of our family got injuries.”

An agricultural expert, Muhammad Azeem Habibi talks about this insect, “Termites live together just like honey bees, they have a queen and workers too but these insects are harmful. They destroy wood products like cabinets, doors, windows, tembers, and others and are found in houses and shops.”

What do some people think about the cause of finding termites in houses?

Nematullah, a resident of Ghazni province says, “Alifshah, a resident of Parwan province says, “I don’t know about the cause of termites in houses.”

Jawid Orbal says, “damp rooms and small windows cause not to enter sun into the rooms and covering the ceiling with fabric cause termites.”

Muhammad Azeem Habibi says, “Dump is the common cause of finding termites in houses. Dark rooms and keeping extra woods at homes and shops also cause termites’ attack.”

How could the owners of houses and shops get rid of termites?

Mir Hatim, a resident of Paghman district, Kabul province says, “When we built our house, we used timbers but later, termites destroyed the timbers. My grandfather suggested to rebuild the rooms and applied mobil oil to the timbers. We applied mobil oil to the timbers and we have not seen any termites in our house afterward.”

Jawid orbal says, “When we decided to rebuild our rooms, we choose dry timbers; wide window and used cotton cloth instead of fabric for covering the ceiling.”

Muhammad Azeem Habibi says, “Homeowners can reduce the risk of termite infestation by following these tips: Destroy the wood in contact with the ground. Do not allow moisture to accumulate near the foundation. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces. Never store firewood or wood chips on pedestals or in crawl spaces.

We should regularly put all appliances of the house in the sun.

Spraying the solution of lemon, vinegar and water also illuminate termites.”