Insect attack : termite

• In Malaysia , termite attack ( or known as 'white ants ' ) is a common problem 
• Malaysia being a tropical country provide high moisture content environment and food such as cellulose for termite to survive .
• 3 types of termite : subterranean , dampwood and drywood termite .
• In malaysia , subterranean termite is common 
• Subterranean termite can still survive under low moisture content condition 
• Termite are social insects living in communities with specialised forms or castes , the worker and soldiers , as well as made and female reproductive individuals . 
• They construct nests under the ground , on the sides of trees or as mounds on the ground . 
• Able to convert wood into form suitable for their own digestion . 
• Termite creates problem such as damaging wood in building and other stuctures . 
• Places susceptible are fence posts , transmission poles and all other wood in soil contact . 
• Timber may be only slightly affected or heavily excavated leaving only the surface and any protection coatings . 
• Chemical treatment such as termiticide can be used to control termite problem .