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More than 600,000 Canadian
and U.S. homes suffer termite
damage annually totalling over
$1.5 billion in eradication
and repair costs. This is more
damage than is caused by all
fires, storms and earthquakes
combined! Homeowner insurance
can help recover losses from
fires, storms and earthquakes,
but it is almost impossible
to carry insurance against
termite infestation. Although
the presence of termites does
not constitute a health hazard
they can leave behind a path
of destruction.
Termites are small, ant-like
insects that feed off the cellulose
in wood. Working largely unseen
under the surface, they tunnel
through the wooden structures.
in buildings and completely
destroy them. Wood that comes
in contact with the soil, such
as the exterior trim or cladding
provides a perfect point of
entry for a termite colony.
There are several types of
termites but the only one found
in Ontario is the Eastern Subterranean
Termite. Purity Pest Control
employs Canada’s only
canine trained to inspect for
termites and performs a passive
alert (sit) when he detects
the presence of termites. What
does this mean? It means that
Kody finds bugs that elude
traditional pest inspection
techniques. He doesn’t
need to see them, he just needs
to smell them. Traditional
techniques rely on visual clues
only and more times than not,
they aren’t present.
Our internationally recognised
K-9 detection team will inspect
your home or business for termites
and other pests. Call 1-905-761-9388
to schedule an appointment
or submit an Inspection
Request Form today!
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What
does a termite look like? |
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In
Canada, the Subterranean
(ground nesting) Termite
occurs only in British
Columbia and parts of
southern Ontario. In
a termite colony there
are 3 castes: the reproductive’s
queen and king, soldiers
and workers. The queen
is not seen outside the
centre of the colony.
The soldier is brown
and white with forcep-like
jaws used for defending
the colony, and measures
12 mm (1/2"). The
worker, responsible for
feeding the queen, soldiers
and colony building and
maintaining, measures
6 mm (1/4"). |
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Do
termites fly? |
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At
certain times of the
year, yes! Depending
on the size of the colony,
temperature and humidity,
termites will swarm.
These winged termites
are the future queens.
After mating, the queen
attempts to establish
a new colony. It is strongly
recommended that a professional
investigate the presence
of flying insects in
large numbers. (Swarming
is not common in Ontario.) |
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Do
termites cause damage
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Yes.
Termites are the most
destructive of all wood-infesting
insects. If proper control
procedures are not carried
out, serious structural
damage will occur. Termites
feed mainly on cellulose,
a major component of
wood. Continuous feeding
will lead to complete
destruction of the wood
and your home! Yikes! |
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When
are termites most common? |
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Since
termites prefer dampness,
the combination of this
and warmth are ideal
conditions for establishing
colonies. Termites are
a problem all year round.
Subterranean termite
colonies are found in
the soil and thrive where
wood is in contact with
the ground. When wood
is not in contact with
the soil, the worker
termite reaches the wood
by constructing shelter
(mud tubes) made of earth,
excrement and saliva.
Because they are sensitive
to light and dryness,
this tube maintains the
ideal climate of moisture
and temperature as well
as protects them from
their number one enemy,
the ant. The presence
of these tubes indicates
that at some point there
was or is a termite infestation. |
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What
are their breeding habits? |
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During
certain times of the
year (usually spring),
the colony, numbering
in the thousands, will
produce male and female
winged reproductives.
These winged termites
leave the colony in large
swarms to reproduce,
with the males dying
shortly after. The queens
can live for up to 15
years with their only
function being to lay
eggs. Should the queen
die, the supplementary
reproductives take over
this duty. |
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Can
I do anything to prevent
a termite infestation on
my property? |
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Yes.
By removing scrap wood
from ground contact under
and around buildings
and by not erecting wooden
structures directly touching
the soil, you can minimize
the risk of termite infestations.
Only properly treated
wood should be used in
new construction. |
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