Overview
There are three major types of termites: drywood, dampwood and subterranean. Of these three types, two are particularly common to Canada with the third still being present but not nearly as much as the other two. The most common type of termite native to Canada is easily the eastern subterranean termite, which has spread fairly evenly all through the country. The species second most common to Canada is the western subterranean termite. The dampwood pacific termite is also fairly prevalent but is only commonly found along the western coast.
Potential Damage Due to Infestation
In terms of damage caused by species, both variants of the subterranean species are the clear winners given their habit to feed on dry wood such as that found in the structures of homes and office buildings. In stark contrast, in Canada, very little damage is caused to residential structures due to the presence of pacific dampwood termites. The reason for this disparity is that dampwood termites, as their name strongly suggests, prefer wood overladen with large quantities of water. Only homes which have a longstanding moisture problem, such as one caused by leaks in water piping, will encounter any problems with dampwood termites.
Signs of infestation: How to Tell If Your Home Is Infested.
Despite the fact that termite infestations are very hard to detect, given their natural tendency to burrow and remain completely unseen, there are still a few quick and easy ways to tell if they have gotten into your home. The first and most noticeable of these signs are long, small mud tubes which termites (particularly those of the subterranean variety) use to help travel between their colonies and food as well as keep their bodies moist.
Additionally, another way you can tell if termites have taken up a home in your house is the existence of warped or miss-colored wood. After spotting a strange looking section of wood in one’s house you can further investigate the matter by rapping on the wood. If the knock produces a hollow sound rather than a solid one you likely have termites and should call your local termite services immediately.
If you have found any evidence of termites in your house you should not attempt to remove them by yourself, as traditional pest removal attempts will yield no results. To clear out an established termite colony there are really only three safe options. Pack up shop and move, tear out all foundations where the termites live (which is the worst option since you can’t be sure where they have and have not gone), or call termite protection services. Once called, the termite services specialist will apply a unique chemical mixture into the soil underneath the home which is specially designed to kill a particular species of termite. However, this method is only used if the termite protection worker decides that immediate action needs to be taken. If the infestation is less sever little poison traps call “bait stations” will be set up around the home. These traps will infect the termite scouts and when they bring back their food to the colony, one by one, the poison will be transmitted and eventually kill the entire colony without the need for messy chemicals.
A good option for the GTA area is JDM Pest Control, a well respected and eco friendly pest elimination service with a specialty in termite removal. To set up an inspection or get general information you can contact JDM via telephone at 416-726-356