The Property Masters provides professional anti-termite treatment across Dubai — the right method depends entirely on whether you have subterranean termites rising from the soil or drywood termites living inside the timber itself. Often mistaken for 'white ants', termites silently consume structural wood, skirting, doors and furniture from the inside out. We treat with soil/chemical barriers, drill-and-inject application and baiting stations, covering both existing infestations and pre-construction protection — which Dubai Municipality requires for new buildings. Methods aligned with BPCA standards, using Dubai Municipality-approved, professionally applied products.
Subterranean vs drywood — the distinction that drives everything
Misdiagnose the type and the treatment fails. The first thing we do is identify which termite you have — from mud tubes, droppings, damage pattern and location.
- Subterranean termites — live in the soil; build mud tubes up into the building to reach timber; return to ground for moisture. Most common and most destructive. Defence = soil/chemical barrier around and beneath the structure.
- Drywood termites — live entirely inside the timber they eat; no soil contact needed. Infest furniture, door/window frames, roof timbers and skirting; leave small piles of distinctive pellet-like droppings. Treated at the timber itself.
Soil and barrier treatment — defending against subterranean termites
The proven approach: a continuous treated zone in the soil termites cannot cross.
On an existing property: drilling and injection — holes drilled at intervals along floor junctions and around the foundation; approved termiticide injected under pressure to form an unbroken chemical barrier. The aim is a complete perimeter — a gap is a doorway — so the work follows the building's geometry methodically.
Baiting stations — a monitored, lower-disruption route
In-ground baiting stations installed around the property:
- Foraging termites feed and carry the active material back to the colony, gradually reducing or eliminating it
- Stations double as ongoing monitoring points showing whether termites are active
- Preferred where extensive drilling is undesirable and long-term monitoring is wanted
We advise honestly on whether a barrier, baiting or a combination best suits your property.
Pre-construction vs existing buildings
- Pre-construction — termiticide barrier applied to soil and substructure before and during building; required by Dubai Municipality for new buildings; most thorough because the barrier can be laid before slabs seal the ground.
- Existing buildings — drill-and-inject barriers, direct treatment of infested timber, baiting around the perimeter.
Spotting termite damage early
Termites are quiet and hidden. Warning signs:
- Mud tubes running up walls, foundations or in voids — subterranean termites' highways
- Small piles of pellet-like droppings near skirting or furniture — drywood termites
- Timber that sounds hollow when tapped or crumbles
- Blistered or rippled paint and surfaces
- Discarded wings after a swarm
- Doors or windows that suddenly stick as frames are eaten
Catching these early dramatically limits damage and repair cost.
Methods aligned with BPCA standards, using Dubai Municipality-approved, professionally applied products. We also deliver interior fit-out works, maintenance and a wider pest control service — the same team can treat the termites and repair affected timber. For ongoing monitoring, see annual pest control contracts. Full range on the wellness hub.
Book a free inspection — we will identify the termite type, recommend barrier or baiting, and return a fixed quote. Call +971 50 928 5264.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between subterranean and drywood termites?
Subterranean termites live in the soil and build mud tubes up into a building to reach timber, so they are treated with a soil or chemical barrier around and beneath the structure. Drywood termites live entirely inside the timber they eat, infesting furniture and frames, so they are treated at the wood itself. Identifying the type correctly is essential, because the methods are completely different.
Is pre-construction anti-termite treatment required in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai Municipality requires pre-construction anti-termite treatment for new buildings — applying a termiticide barrier to the soil and substructure before and during construction. It is the most thorough form of protection because the barrier can be laid completely before slabs and floors seal the ground. For existing buildings we use drill-and-inject barriers, timber treatment and baiting instead.
How does soil barrier treatment work for existing buildings?
For an occupied building we typically use drill-and-injection: holes are drilled at intervals along floor junctions and around the foundation, and an approved termiticide is injected under pressure to create a continuous treated zone in the soil that subterranean termites cannot cross. The aim is an unbroken perimeter, since any gap becomes a doorway, so the work follows the building's geometry methodically.
What are the signs of termites in my home?
Look for mud tubes running up walls and foundations, small piles of pellet-like droppings near skirting or furniture, timber that sounds hollow when tapped or crumbles, blistered or rippled paint, discarded wings after a swarm, and doors or windows that suddenly stick as frames are eaten. Termites are often mistaken for white ants. Catching these signs early sharply limits the damage and repair cost.
How much does termite treatment cost in Dubai?
Indicative market guidance puts a standard pest treatment from around AED 450, with full anti-termite jobs priced higher depending on the property size, the termite type, and whether a soil barrier, drill-and-inject or baiting system is used. These figures are indicative only — we provide a fixed quote after a free inspection, with 5% VAT shown separately.