Termite Facts
A typical homeowner's insurance policy does not cover destruction caused by termites, even though they cause over 1 billion dollars in damage to homes throughout the United States each year. It is important that homeowners understand the threat of termites, and take the necessary steps to protect their homes.
Subterranean termites are extremely destructive. First they build tunnels to wooden structures, and then they burrow into those structures to obtain food. Any wood or cellulose-containing material constitutes termite food, and given time to do so, they’ll eat until nothing is left but a shell. Termites avoid light and air, so they build their colonies where you are not likely to stumble upon them.
On the off chance you do see them, remember that it’s easy to confuse termites with ants. Fortunately, there are features that distinguish them.
Termites:
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Dampwood Termites
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Formosian Subterranean Termites
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Drywood Termites
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• How do I recognize a termite?
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 queen, soldiers, and workers. The queen is not seen outside the center of the colony. The soldier is brown and white with forceps-like jaws used for defending the colony, and measures 12 mm (1/2"). The worker, responsible for feeding the queen and colony-building, measures 6 mm (1/4")
• Do termites fly?
At certain times of the year, depending on temperature and humidity, termites swarm. These winged forms of termites are the future queens. After mating, the queen attempts to establish a new colony. A professional should investigate the presence of flying insects in large numbers. (Swarming is not common in Ontario.)
• Do termites cause damage?
Yes. Termites are the most destructive of all wood-infesting insects. If proper control procedures are not carried out, serious structural damage will occur.
• How does this damage occur?
Termites feed mainly on cellulose, a major component of wood. Continuous feeding leads to complete destruction.
• When are termites most common?
Once a colony is established, termites are a year-round problem. There is an increase in colony expansion activity during warm weather.
• When am I most likely to see termites?
Subterranean termite colonies are found in the soil and thrive where wood is in contact with the ground. The worker termite reaches the wood by constructing shelter 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. The presence of these tubes indicates a termite infestation.
• Are termites hazardous to humans?
No. The presence of termites does not constitute a health hazard.
• What are their breeding habits? Do they multiply quickly?
During certain times of the year (usually spring), the colony will produce male and female winged progeny. 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. Their only function is to lay eggs.
• Can weather conditions affect the size of a termite infestation?
Since termites prefer dampness, the combination of this and warmth are ideal conditions for establishing colonies.
• Can I do anything to prevent a termite infestation on my property?
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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Ants:
- Narrow waists
- Bent antennae
- Two sets of wings (one wing is longer than the other)
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Carpenter ants can cause structural damage to wooden building components and spread disease-causing germs to foodstuffs. Black or black-with-red in color, these insects measure between 3 and 12 mm (1/8" to 1/2") in length, and reproductive members of their colonies are winged. Swarms of reproductive ants can often be seen in May and June as they migrate to establish new colonies.
Eliminating moisture-collecting areas in and around your home, as well as isolating wood from direct contact with the soil, will help reduce the risk of carpenter ant infestation.
• How do I recognize a carpenter ant?
The carpenter ant is a large member of the ant family, measuring 3 to 12 mm (1/8" to 1/2") in length. Color is either black or black with red. Antennae are elbowed and they have large heads with strong mandibles (jaws) used for chewing. Reproductive forms are winged.
• Do carpenter ants cause damage?
Yes. Because carpenter ants tunnel in wood to build their colonies, an infestation can cause serious structural damage if left unchecked.
• When are carpenter ants most common?
You are most likely to see swarms of winged (reproductive) carpenter ants in May and June, as this is their mating season.
• Where am I most likely to find carpenter ants?
Carpenter ants prefer moist areas and may construct their nests anywhere in your home, including the walls, ceilings, attics, doors, sills, shingles, and insulation. Carpenter ants are most active during the night when they forage for food.
• Are carpenter ants hazardous to humans?
Yes. Since carpenter ants are attracted to foods such as honey, jelly, fruit, and meat. They can carry disease-causing germs from one area to another; although they do not sting, they can inflict bites.
• What are their breeding habits? Do they multiply quickly?
Carpenter ants are social insects, living in colonies. Within the colony, winged (reproductive) ants are not produced until the colony is established, which takes about two to three years. After mating, the winged female progeny leave to establish new colonies. Once established, an average colony contains 2,000 to 3,000 carpenter ants.
• Do weather conditions affect the size of a carpenter ant infestation?
Yes. Warm, moist weather presents ideal conditions for carpenter ant colonies to establish themselves.
• How can I tell if I have a carpenter ant infestation on my property?
The presence of worker ants in your home is one of the first indications of an establishing carpenter ant colony. Check all areas where you suspect moisture. The presence of chewed wood similar to sawdust is an indication of an active nest. Any flying insect in the home is cause for concern and a professional in pest control should be consulted.
• What can I do to prevent an infestation of carpenter ants?
The elimination of moist conditions—by providing good ventilation—and isolating wood from any direct contact with the soil, will aid in carpenter ant prevention. Foods should be kept in sealed containers and areas where food is stored kept free of spillage or crumbs. Eliminate old lumber, logs, and stumps from around your property and do not store firewood inside the building. In the case of new construction, only properly treated lumber should be used.
