Where Termites Cause the Most Damage in Kenyan Homes
Termites target any cellulose-based material โ primarily wood, but also paper, cardboard, and some insulation. In Kenyan homes, the highest-risk areas are: wooden roof trusses and beams, floor joists and subfloors, door and window frames, kitchen cabinets, and structural timber inside walls.
How to Inspect for Termite Damage
Tap Test
Use a screwdriver handle to tap on wooden surfaces throughout your home. Solid wood makes a sharp sound; termite-damaged wood sounds hollow and dull. Pay special attention to door frames and window sills.
Probe Test
Push the tip of a screwdriver into wooden surfaces in suspected areas. Termite-damaged wood will give way easily and may crumble.
Check the Foundation and Walls
Look for mud tubes running up your foundation walls, along pipes, or in corners. These are the clearest sign of subterranean termite activity.
How Bad Is the Damage?
Damage severity is categorised as: surface damage (outer layer only, least serious), gallery damage (termites have eaten through the wood, leaving only a shell), and structural failure (the wood has lost structural integrity and must be replaced).
If you suspect structural damage, do not delay. Contact us immediately for an urgent inspection. Our termite specialists can assess the damage and recommend treatment plus repair guidance. You can also explore termite treatment options on Pestraid Kenya.