Shanghai is tackling termites as the humid summer approaches.

The city’s housing authority has helped 3,891 families fumigate their households against termites, Shanghai Morning Post reported.

Termites, or white ants, are not harmful to human health but they secrete an acid that corrodes cement and wood. June and July are the mating and reproduction period for the pests.

Members of staff at a Hongkou housing management emergency center said they receive about 30 to 40 phone calls asking for help daily and they are working seven days a week to combat the threat.

Shanghai Housing Authority issued an urgent notice putting relevant departments of 24-hour notice and a hotline, 962121, has been set up.