Essential Information About Termites

How do Termites Spread?

Termites are a major problem in Australia and can be a hazard.  They can eat through the wooden supports of houses and weaken trees so that they might fall on property or people.

How fast can they spread?

Termites usually spread incrementally but they can spread more rapidly when they are transported in infested firewood or furniture. Sporadically throughout the year, colonies also produce termites that can fly, which helps speed their spread. Locally, they can move from street to street or home to home in the same way that ordinary ants do.

If termites are found in neighbouring properties it’s important for people to inspect their home as well.

How do I know if I have them?

Professional pest controllers should be called in for a definitive answer. Subterranean termites usually leave long, brown streaks on walls. They also leave a pile of their own waste outside of holes made in wood. Inside, residents may notice that wood is discoloured or paint is blistering.

Outside, you can turn over pieces of wood to see if it is infested and riddled with holes. Termites eat the cellulose in wood so you can tap walls, studs and trim and listen for the hollow spots they leave in their wake.

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/story/2013/08/22/kitchener-waterloo-termites-five-things-to-know.html