New Termite infestation in Ontario

[rcooke]

Looks like they have another infestion starting away from Toronto.

South end home dealing with termite infestation
by Michelle Minnoch

A home in the south end of Innisfil is dealing with a termite infestation and council is worried the bugs may spread to other homes.
"We are dealing with one known case and we are taking pro active measures," said Director of Planning and Development, Rob McAuley. "It is our obligation to make this information known and in the interest of the municipality to get on this."
In October 2006, the Town became aware of a home with a potential infestation of termites. Staff visited the home, with an expert in the field of Entomology from U of T, who confirmed the residence did indeed have termites. While the property owner became aware of his infestation about four years ago, it was determined the termites had been on his property for five to 10 years. Staff Report PDS-009-07 states that termites "spread about 50 feet per year, and is dependent on the density and abundance of wood items". The specialist suggested the termites may have spread two to four properties in either direction, but asphalt and ditches hinder their travel.
"This is a very interesting report," said Mayor Brian Jackson. "This is an intriguing and difficult for our community. The bottom line is that the termites have an affect on the community and the real estate value of the homes."
Councilor Bill Van Berkel said the problem is in his ward and that he could not believe the damage that was done in three months. "They are literally eating his property," he said. "It could be devastating to the community if they spread."
The staff report stated the City of Guelph also had a similar situation. The City flagged areas which might have been susceptible to infestation, a newsletter was circulated to residents within the immediate area of the infestation, and a policy was developed for the disposal of the termite infested wood and soil.
According to the letter sent to Larry Allison, CAO from the entomology specialist, the resident who has the infestation had contacted an experienced termite control company from Toronto, who performed numerous chemical treatments to eliminate the bugs.
The letter also states that termites will spread in all directions, looking for dead wood; they will not attack live trees. "Termites will build shelter tubes up to dead branches on live trees or will enter rotten cores of trees with heart rot". It also states the termites will look for accessible feeding sites, and use moist wood for their reproduction areas. It is estimated termites can spread 50 feet (one property) per year. It was suggested that the town's building inspectors visit surrounding properties.
"We've got to stop this before it gets out of hand," remarked Deputy Mayor Wauchope.
Council is looking for the County of Simcoe to waive or reduce landfill fees for the disposal of the termite infested material and soil.
The material has to be buried and cannot go to a transfer station.
The Staff Report suggests the town continue to monitor the situation and a newsletter to be circulated to residents living in the immediate area of the infestation.
While the cost of determining the presence of termites would be approximately $500 per property, the report is suggesting if a property has a test, in which termites are confirmed, "the Policy proposes a one time refund of the inspection fee to an upset limit of $500".
The report also states that if termites are found on a property, eradication would be necessary.
A grant program could be created to aid owners with the cost of eradication, a one time limit of $1000. To qualify, a treatment plan must be presented by the resident, endorsed by an Entomologist.


Roy Cooke

[Charles R. N. Crooker]

Here they grow again!!!!

[rwand1]

How do they know where to go if they are blind?

[George A. H. Luck]

Do you think that they have infected 3% of the houses yet? If so I propose a huge national programme to assess them and certify them as "Canadian Termites". The termites from Innisfil can be charged a slightly reduced rate of course. </IMG>

[Claude Lawrenson]

There are known hot spots for termites. There were programs back in the early 90's in various parts of Ontario. So I am not suprised by "global warming" that they have travelled further north. Just like the ash borers who decimated 55 of my mature ash trees on my once wooded property.

They are however CMI certified. Crushed, Machined and Interned by the WC - wood chipper.

[George A. H. Luck]

Oh, ASH borers! Whew! You had me worried there for a moment Claude

[rwand1]

I have some trees on my property that make an ASH of themselves! yuk, yuk, yuk.

Termites are also in Fergus, Elora, parts of Guelph.

[Claude Lawrenson]

http://www.emeraldashborer.info/

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/.../agrplae.shtml

Whick beckons the question of financial impact on home buyers, and safety concerns with large dead trees.

Back to termites though....
http://www.cwc.ca/publications/build...uppression.php

http://www.termidorhome.com/TermiteTruth.asp

http://www.guelph.ca/uploads/PBS_Dep...newsletter.pdf

[Charles R. N. Crooker]

Originally Posted by clawrenson

http://www.emeraldashborer.info/

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/.../agrplae.shtml

Whick beckons the question of financial impact on home buyers, and safety concerns with large dead trees.

Back to termites though....
http://www.cwc.ca/publications/build...uppression.php

http://www.termidorhome.com/TermiteTruth.asp

http://www.guelph.ca/uploads/PBS_Dep...newsletter.pdf

Thanx, does anyone have maps of infected areas?

[rwand1]

http://www.utoronto.ca/forest/termite/zones/Onrario.htm

Distribution of northern subterranean termites (Reticulitermes) maps

http://www.utoronto.ca/forest/termite/Reticdis.htm

[Charles R. N. Crooker]

Originally Posted by rwand1

http://www.utoronto.ca/forest/termite/zones/Onrario.htm

Distribution of northern subterranean termites (Reticulitermes) maps

http://www.utoronto.ca/forest/termite/Reticdis.htm

THANX Ray.

[Barrie Inspector]

This is something new to look for in the area. If one house is known to be infected, there will be others.