TERMITE FACTS

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                          back to Insects page    

Other selected links: 

The best "termite" information website we are aware of on the internet: http://www.utoronto.ca/forest/termite/termite.htm Dr. Timothy G. Myles, Director,  Faculty of Forestry,  University of Toronto. Termite Biology Termite Taxonomy  Termite Phylogeny  Beneficial Uses of Termites  Distribution of Northern Termites   Termite Control Methods Manifesto of a termite researcher  Trap-Treat-Release   World of Termites in Cyberspace  > TOUR STARTS HERE

Why Microbiologists Study Termites

Christine Case
Skyline College

Although termites are famous for their ability to eat wood, causing damage to wooden structures and recycling cellulose in the soil, they are unable to digest the wood that they eat. To break down the cellulose, termites enlist the help of a variety of microorganisms. Some termites, for example, dig tunnels in the wood, and then inoculate the tunnels with fungi that grow on the wood. These termites then eat the fungi, not the wood itself.    Read more at this web site:
http://occ.awlonline.com/bookbind/pubbooks/tfc/medialib/Applications/termites.html

  http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/croplive/cropprot/termite.htm

     

Termite Control   Eliminate all contact between the soil and all wood members that are part of the building. This is a highly labour intensive task with very little material costs involved.   Remove all scrap wood from the premises. Provide access (if necessary) under porches and clear out any debris. Avoid storing firewood on the ground. Pile logs away from the building on a raised platform made of concrete or other suitable material.   Basements and underfloor crawlspaces should be ventilated to control dampness. Spaces under decks and orches should also be ventilated.   Eliminate any contact with wood members and the concrete basement floor. Any water penetration through the foundation where there are wood floors or partitions nearby should be rectified immediately.   Ensure that surface water is channeled away from the foundation wall. This is achieved by sloping ground/walkways/patios, etc. away from the house for the first four feet.   Maintain eavestroughs and down spouts. If down spouts discharge on grade, extensions should be added to divert rain water away from the house.   Review roof coverings and flashings annually. Plastic roofing cement should be used to repair any minor faults that have developed.   The exterior wall assembly should be inspected annually. Any faults in the wall covering should be repaired immediately. Caulking should be used at all joints of dissimilar materials.   Termite Control Professionals Termite Damage  In the Toronto area termites have been known to cause extensive damage to homes, unprotected buildings and other wooden structures. While many people may not realize it, termites are alive and thriving in the GTA, Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington and Milton. Termites prefer to remain hidden which often leads to their presence remaining unknown until the damage to homes and buildings has become severe in nature. Most termites will find food in rotting wood. In addition to wood damage, termites do not limit themselves to just wood. Once termites have entered a building, they will also damage paper, cloth, carpets, and other cellulosic materials.  Call the experts: TermiteExtermination.ca:  416-729-5657 or visit our web site: http://www.termiteextermination.ca/index.php   21st Century Home & Mold Inspectors The health of your home affects the health and comfort of your family. Why Gamble ??? We specialize in mold & termite inspections and removal for both residential and commercial properties. Serving Greater Toronto and surrounding areas. Professional home inspection & mold information  Phone: 416-575-6111  Or  1-866-310-4219    info@moldinspections.ca

USA VISITORS CLICK HERE for an excellent website on destructive termite species in USA , pest control consumer protection advice, pesticide issues and an analysis of modern termite control methods.

 
                                         back to Insects page

Please report any errors or omissions to Webmanager@PestControlCanada.com .   Your comments, suggestions, ideas are welcome. 
       Some errors on these pages may be intentional, to prove copyright infringement. 
Privacy policy    Disclaimer notice
Copyright © 2010 [Pest Control Canada]  All rights reserved.
Revised: 01/23/12