What are the different types of Termites in Canada

The most common pest species of termites in Canada include the eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes), the western subterranean termite (Reticulitermes Hesperus), and the Pacific dampwood termite (Zootermopsis angusticollis).

Located in different regions of Canada, subterranean termites tend to be cosmopolitan in distribution, while dampwood termites cause problems on the western coast. Subterranean species are responsible for the bulk of damage inflicted on homes, as the dampwood species target moist and rotting wood. The presence of dampwood termites usually indicates an ongoing moisture problem.

How to identify Termites

Termite colonies contain three main social castes: workers, soldiers, and reproductives. Each caste and type of termite differs slightly in appearance. In general, subterranean termites produce smaller workers of approximately 6 mm, while dampwood termite workers measure about 20 mm in size. Termite soldiers have enlarged mandibles, and reproductives feature two pairs of nearly identical wings. Members of every caste have three body parts: a head with a pair of segmented antennae, thorax, and abdomen. The insects appear whitish-brown to nearly black in colour.

Differences Between Termites and Ants

Because they look similar, people can often confuse termites with flying ants or carpenter ants. The only kind of termite that has wings is the reproductive swarmer while there are a few ant species that produce winged reproductives including carpenter ants, pavement ants and odourous house ants. Both ant and termite swarmers are active at the same time of year and in similar weather conditions making it even harder to tell the difference.

Here are few things to look for to identify the difference between flying ants and termites. Pay particular attention to these three parts of the body: the antennae, the waist and the wings.

1. Termites have straight antennae while ants are bent at an angle.
2. The waist on a termite is broad and uniform with the rest of its’ body while ants are very narrow
3. Wings on a termite will be of equal length and on an ant the front wings are significantly larger than the back wings

Colour wise termite swarmers are black, flying ants are usually reddish-brown and carpenter ants are unusually large and black.

What are signs of Termites

Despite their covert lifestyle, termites consistently leave behind certain signs of their presence. To avoid drying out, subterranean termites make mud tubes along walls, fences, and steps to help them travel between the colony and food sources. Homeowners should remain on the lookout for the dry and moist lines of mud, particularly in basements and garages. Spotted, striped, discoloured, or warped wood may also indicate the existence of termites below the surface. Furthermore, knocking on wood and hearing a hollow sound typically indicates termite damage.

Possible Areas of Termite Activity in Your House

People often wonder how such small insects can cause so much damage. If your home is in a known termite area it is at risk because these little insects have a never ending appetite. Remember that a regular inspection by a trained Promax Pest Control Termite Specialist can help you identify any clues of an infestation.

Here are the top four reasons why your home can be at risk of termites:

Temperature

Any home that is climate controlled year round will help create the conditions that are optimal for termites.

Moisture

Anything that creates moisture around your home can help attract termites including runoff moisture, drainage issues and condensation around and under your foundation.

Food

Any wood products are at risk of attack by termites. This can include framing, debris, landscaping products and even firewood stored outside.

Access

Termites can enter your home through even the smallest cracks or openings.

Termite Warning Signs

In can be very difficult for a home owner to see evidence of wood eating insects because they live inside the wood or underground. Termites are no different but they often leave clues behind. Here is what to look for:

Wood Damage

Termites will eat the wood from the inside out and can sometimes leave behind nothing but the wood grain.

Discarded Wings

You do not necessarily have to see a swarm of termites in action to notice it has taken place. Not long after the swarmers take flight they will shed their wings and leave behind small piles of wings. These wings can often be found near your structure around the foundation or in the webs of spiders.

Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites will build mud shelter tubes to serve as safe paths between the colony and the wood they are eating. These tubes can be found both inside and outside and are made of small bits of soil, wood and debris. These tubes are used to conserve the moisture that is essential for their survival and also to protect the colony from any nearby predators.

Termite Droppings

Some termites will leave behind frass or droppings. These tiny fecal mounds often mean the wood above is infested with termites.

If you live in an area that is known to have termites these are some of the places on your home that you should pay particular attention to.

1. Roof Vents, Siding and Windows:
   Anywhere in your house where there is a crack there is the potential for termites to enter. Consider areas like window joints, your siding, your eaves and roof vents.
2. Plumbing:
   Anything that creates moisture can attract termites. Fixing any leaking plumbing to avoid the buildup of excess moisture will help.
3. Foam Insulation:
   Termites can move quite quickly through foam insulation which leads them right to the wood in your house.
4. Decks and Wooden Fences:
   Have a look to see if there is any damage on your decks or fences and repair as needed. If the wood touches soil it can be an attractive target for termites.
5. Firewood and Lumber:
   Remember that any wood touching the soil are perfect ways for termites to get into your home as it may create a path that bypasses any protective soil treatment that may have been applied. Have a look around your house and remove any stacked firewood or lumber away from the foundation.
6. Air Conditioner Condensation:
   Moisture is essential to a termite colonies’ survival so be sure to divert water away from the foundation in any area that is continually moist.
7. Crawl Spaces:
   Any debris of a wood nature in a crawl space can also help attract termites. Keep your crawl spaces as clean as possible.
8. Gutters and Downspouts:
   Anything on your home that helps create moisture is an issue in known termite areas. Keeping your gutters and downspouts clean and flowing will help.
9. Wood-to-Ground Contact:
   A large number of termite infestations happen because somewhere there is wood to ground contact. Do your best to reduce these kinds of opportunities for termites.
10. Wood Chips and Mulch:
    As with firewood and lumber be aware that any kind of wood related material can attract termites.

How to prevent Termites

In general, altering the surrounding area of a home or building to make it less favourable for termites will prevent infestations from occurring. Reduce moisture levels by fixing leaky plumbing and ensuring all drainage flows well and away from the building. Keep shrubbery and trees maintained so that the vegetation does not come in contact with the structure, and store lumber and firewood away from the building in a dry place.