Termites work 24/7. They can hollow out cabinets, weaken walls, and damage your home’s structure long before you see the first sign.By the time a homeowner notices visible damage, repairs can reach RM10,000–RM25,000 — and insurance does not cover it.

1.Living Room

Termites enter the room through tiny cracks in the floor or walls, silently damaging baseboards, TV cabinets, and door frames.

Prevention Methods:

• Seal gaps between the floor and walls using termite-resistant sealant.
• Choose termite-resistant wood for TV cabinets and door frames.
• Schedule a professional termite inspection annually to detect potential problems early.
• Keep the room well-ventilated and dry, avoiding prolonged contact of wood with damp environments.
• Install termite monitoring devices in baseboards and other locations.

Early detection of termite problems can save RM3,000 to RM10,000 on furniture repairs.

2.Kitchen

Dampness in the sink and pipes attracts termites, which then gnaw at built-in cabinets.

Prevention:

• Repair leaks promptly and keep cabinets and surrounding areas dry.
• Install cabinets with good moisture resistance and termite resistance.
• Regularly clean the inside and bottom of cabinets, checking for termite traces.
• Avoid storing damp items or untreated wooden furniture in cabinets.
• Preventative treatments such as termite glue or insecticides can be applied around pipes.
• In Malaysia, 70% of termite cases originate in kitchens due to dampness.

3.Bedroom

Wardrobes, bed frames, and floors are easy targets for termite nests.

Prevention:

1. Slightly elevate furniture to avoid direct contact with the ground.
2. Set up termite bait stations or use insecticides around high-risk areas.
3. Regularly move furniture and check floors and corners for signs of termite activity.
4. Avoid storing old books, newspapers, or discarded wooden items in the bedroom.
5. Choose metal or plastic bed frames and storage shelves to reduce risk.
6. A small termite tunnel today can develop into a termite infestation within 2-3 months

4.Bathroom

 Termites enter the house through pipe perforations and damp tile grout.

Prevention Methods:

Seal all pipe holes and use waterproof silicone sealant.

• Repair tile cracks promptly to prevent moisture buildup.
• Keep floors and walls dry; install exhaust fans to reduce moisture.
• Regularly inspect wooden structures such as bathroom cabinets and mirror backs.
• Place dehumidifiers in hidden corners to reduce overall humidity.
• Bathrooms are “invisible entrances” for termites to invade homes.

5.Storage Rooms/Pawnrooms

Dark, cluttered, and damp—ideal for termites to live on cardboard and old wood.

Prevention Methods:

• Use sealed plastic storage boxes instead of cardboard boxes and wooden cabinets.
• Keep the room dry; use a dehumidifier if necessary.
• Organize regularly to prevent clutter from creating termite hiding places.
• Treat stored old books and documents to prevent moisture and insect infestation.
• Place termite repellent granules or camphor wood blocks in corners of the room to repel termites.

Simply replacing storage boxes with plastic ones can reduce the risk of termites by 80%.

6. Balcony (Apartments and High-Rise Buildings)

Flower pots and damp floors attract termites, which can enter the house through the balcony door frame.

Prevention:

• Remove rotten wood and accumulated leaves promptly.
• Keep the balcony floor dry and avoid water accumulation.
• Place flower pots under supports to prevent direct contact with the ground.
• Check the balcony door frame and surrounding grout for integrity.
• Set up termite monitoring bait stations in the corners of the balcony.
• Even 20th-floor apartments are not safe—termites can enter the house through the building’s shafts.

7.Attic (Townhouses and Detached Houses)

Termites damage roof trusses, beams, and ceilings—often discovered too late.

Prevention:

• Professionally treat roof timber with preservatives and termites.
• Inspect beams and roof trusses every 6 months.
• Keep the attic well-ventilated to prevent dampness and termite infestation.
• Install termite protection netting or barrier systems.

If you find holes or mud stains in the timber, contact a professional pest control company immediately.

Ignoring termite damage to the roof structure could result in repair costs exceeding RM20,000.