Termites cause more damage to Thai homes than any other pest. The damage is often invisible until it's expensive. Prevention is vastly cheaper than repair.
Subterranean termites in Bangkok
Most Bangkok termites are subterranean — they live in soil and tunnel into wood. They enter buildings through cracks in foundations, utility penetrations, and unsealed slab-to-wall joints. Evidence is subtle: small mud tubes on walls, hollow-sounding wood, small piles of wings near windows.
The $20,000 problem in a condo
In a single-family home, termite damage is usually caught early enough for manageable repair. In a condo, termites travel through the building's concrete columns and wood framing across multiple units. Damage can span neighbors — and juristic office liability becomes complicated.
Signs you may have termites
- Mud tubes (pencil-thick brown lines) along walls or floor edges
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
- Bubbling or blistering paint (termite damage mimics water damage)
- Piles of tiny wings near windows or lights after rain
- Unusual cracks in wooden cabinets or doors
- Difficulty opening or closing wooden doors (from damage)
Prevention for ground-floor units
- Keep soil at least 30 cm below wooden structures
- Don't store wood or cardboard against exterior walls
- Seal cracks in foundations and utility penetrations
- Install or maintain termite-resistant soil treatments
- Inspect for mud tubes annually (pay a pro every 2–3 years)
Treatment options
- Soil treatment — chemical barrier injected into soil around the home. 3–5 year warranty. ฿8,000–20,000
- Baiting system — bait stations placed around the property. Slower but eco-friendly. ฿15,000–40,000
- Spot treatment — for confirmed infestations in specific locations. ฿5,000–15,000
- Fumigation — for whole-home infestations. Rare in Bangkok. ฿30,000+
Frequently Asked Questions
Do termites affect high-rise condos?
Ground-floor and second-floor units are at risk. Upper floors are rarely affected directly, but damage on lower floors can spread through shared wood structures.
Are termites covered by home insurance in Thailand?
Rarely. Most policies exclude termite damage. Prevention is your responsibility.
CLEANROVA pest control offers soil treatment and ongoing termite monitoring with 3-year warranties.
