Subterranean termites
Heterotermes indicola, Coptotermes heimi
Size: 4–6 mm workers
The main structural pest in Pakistan. They nest in soil and build mud tubes up walls and through cracks in the floor slab to reach wood.
Pest guide · Deemak · دیمک
Termite (Deemak) Control & Treatment
Termites cause more hidden property damage in Pakistani homes than any other pest. We locate the colony’s entry points, create a treated barrier around your building and monitor it so the damage stops for good.
Introduction
What are termites?
Termites are social insects that feed on cellulose — the main material in wood, paper, cardboard and even the paper face of plaster board. Workers travel from an underground nest through narrow mud tubes, so they can eat a door frame from the inside while the painted surface still looks perfect.
In Pakistan, subterranean termites are the most destructive group. Species such as Heterotermes indicola and Coptotermes heimi attack buildings in cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, while fungus-growing Odontotermes species damage gardens, trees and wooden fixtures. Because the ground stays warm for most of the year, colonies are active almost year-round, with winged swarmers appearing in spring and after monsoon rain.
The damage is usually discovered late — when a skirting board crumbles, a cupboard sags or a door stops closing. That is why a professional termite inspection and a long-lasting chemical or bait barrier are far cheaper than replacing woodwork later.
- Size
- 4–15 mm (workers ~4–6 mm)
- Colony
- Hundreds of thousands to millions
- Peak season
- Mar–Jun swarms & monsoon
- Found in
- Soil, walls, door frames, wooden furniture
Species
Common termites species in Pakistan
Correct identification decides the treatment. These are the types our technicians find most often.
Fungus-growing termites
Odontotermes spp., Microtermes spp.
Size: 4–7 mm workers
Build underground or mound nests where they farm fungus. They attack lawns, trees, fence posts, stored timber and ground-floor woodwork.
Drywood termites
Family Kalotermitidae
Size: 8–12 mm
Live entirely inside dry wood — furniture, frames and roof beams — with no soil contact. Tell-tale sign: small, sand-like pellets below the damaged wood.
Winged swarmers (alates)
Reproductive caste
Size: 10–15 mm incl. wings
Fly out in large numbers after rain to start new colonies. Seeing discarded wings on window sills is a strong sign of a nearby colony.
Health risk
Why termites are a problem
Structural damage
Termites hollow out door frames, skirting, wooden floors, roof timber and built-in cupboards — damage that can cost far more to repair than to prevent.
Property value
Visible termite damage or an untreated infestation can lower resale value and complicate property sales and rentals.
Damaged documents & stock
Books, files, cardboard stock and stored goods in basements and store rooms are eaten quickly — a serious risk for offices, archives and warehouses.
Damp & mould
Termites thrive where there is moisture; the damp conditions they need also encourage mould growth, which can aggravate allergies and asthma.
Warning signs
Signs of a termite infestation
- Pencil-thick mud tubes on walls, foundations or behind cupboards
- Wood that sounds hollow or papery when tapped
- Discarded wings near windows, doors or lights
- Blistered or bubbling paint on door frames and skirting
- Doors and windows that suddenly stick
- Small heaps of pellets (drywood termites)
Solution for this pest
How PestVira gets rid of termites
Our Integrated Pest Management process for termites — the least-hazardous effective method, applied exactly where it is needed.
Inspection & mapping
We inspect the building inside and out, use moisture checks to trace activity and mark every entry point, mud tube and damaged section on a floor plan.
Identification & plan
We identify the termite type (subterranean or drywood), measure the treatment area and give you a written plan with method, products and warranty terms.
Barrier treatment
For subterranean termites we use the drill-fill-seal method: drilling along floor/wall junctions and injecting a long-lasting non-repellent termiticide to create a continuous treated zone. Drywood colonies receive localised wood injection.
Monitoring & warranty visits
Follow-up checks confirm the colony is eliminated. Where needed we add in-ground bait stations that workers carry back to eliminate the colony.
Treatment methods we use
Drill-fill-seal soil injectionPre-construction termite proofingTermite bait stationsWood injection for drywood termitesMoisture correction advice
Prevention
How to prevent termites
- Fix leaking pipes, AC drains and roof leaks — moisture attracts termites.
- Keep firewood, timber and cardboard away from walls and off the floor.
- Leave a gap between garden soil and wooden fixtures or door frames.
- Seal cracks in floors and walls where the slab meets the wall.
- Ask for anti-termite soil treatment before building or renovating.
- Book an annual termite inspection, especially for older buildings.
People also ask
Termites: questions people ask
Answers to the most searched questions about termites in Pakistan.
Ask us a questionHow do I know if I have termites (deemak) in my house?
Look for pencil-thick mud tubes on walls, wood that sounds hollow when tapped, bubbling paint on door frames, discarded wings near windows and doors that suddenly stick. If you see any of these, book an inspection — the visible damage is usually only a small part of the total.
How long does professional termite treatment last?
A correctly applied soil barrier with a quality non-repellent termiticide typically protects for several years, depending on the product, soil conditions and whether the barrier is later disturbed by construction. PestVira gives a written warranty and follow-up visits with every termite treatment.
Is termite treatment safe for children and pets?
Yes, when done professionally. Products are injected into the soil and wall voids, not sprayed into living areas. We ask you to keep children and pets away from the treated area during the work and until surfaces are dry, and we seal all drill holes afterwards.
Can I get rid of termites myself?
Store-bought sprays kill the termites you can see but rarely reach the colony underground, so the damage continues out of sight. Long-lasting control needs a continuous treated barrier or a baiting system, which requires professional equipment and licensed products.
How much does termite treatment cost in Pakistan?
Cost depends on the covered area, the construction type, the level of infestation and the method (barrier, bait or both). PestVira offers a free inspection and then a fixed written quote, so you know the exact price before any work starts.
Do I need to leave the house during termite treatment?
Usually not. Most drill-fill-seal treatments are done while you stay at home; we only ask that you keep away from the rooms being drilled and ventilate them afterwards.
What is the difference between flying termites and flying ants?
Flying termites have straight antennae, a thick waist and two pairs of wings of equal length that fall off easily. Flying ants have elbowed antennae, a narrow “pinched” waist and front wings longer than the back wings.
Related pests
Often found together with termites
Get rid of termites — book a free inspection.
Our technician will confirm the species, show you where they are coming from and give you a written treatment plan and quote.