Termite Inspection Toronto
"Termites were first discovered in Toronto in 1938. The original site of infestation was a dock on the east side of the harbour near Cherry Street. The fact that termites were first discovered on the harbour docks indicates that the infestation most likely arrived in shipping cargo, possibly wooden crates or pallets off-loaded from the United States
Within the first fifteen years, termites had spread and established six separate pockets of infestation. By 1953 this invasion extended from Jarvis Street on the west, across the Don River to Broadview. The Gerrard and Woodbine area was the eastern-most infestation. At that time, all of the six infestations were south of Bloor-Danforth Ave.
Organized collecting of termite distribution data ceased in 1992 when the Provincial Ministry of Environment’s Termite Control Program ceased to provide funds to assist homeowners with the cost of chemical treatments. When the City’s last Termite Monitor was published in 1993, a total of 543 blocks were known to be infested within the boundaries of the City of Toronto. The six cities making up Metro Toronto amalgamated in 1998 forming the new City of Toronto. The best estimates as of 2001 indicate that approximately 650 to 700 blocks are infested within the boundaries of the new City.
Ask your real estate agent if the house you are considering buying is in a termite infested area of the city. And if it is, don't be unnecessarily alarmed. Not all houses in these areas are infested or even at risk of infestation. However, it would be advisable to include a termite inspection clause in your offer and commission a reputable termite inspection company to examine the house. Realtors who work in these areas of the city can recommend the most reliable companies. Should it be discovered that termites are living in your house, there are ways of getting rid of them, and this necessary investment comes with a guarantee that the little critters will not return. In other words, if you've found a house you absolutely must have, be well informed before turning it down due to termites!"
Courtesy of http://www.toronto.com/feature/12789/22.phpl
Termites and My Home
The natural food of termites is cellulose, the major component of the cell walls of trees and other plants. Termites may attack timber anywhere in a building from below floor level to the highest point in the roof. The workers of most subterranean species enter from the soil, either directly into timber, through cracks in concrete flooring or by construction shelter tubes over brick or concrete footers and walls. Most emphasis in discussion of termite damage is given to attacks on timber and wood-based products, and undoubtedly this is where the largest economic losses occur. However, other materials are frequently damaged and losses are sometimes substantial. Proper identification of termites is important when deciding on the control methods to be used.
Termite Entry Points
Wood Destroying Insect Inspections During The Home Buying Process
In a real estate transaction it is very important to hire a termite inspector that is not in the business of treating for wood destroying insects. It is imperative to look for someone who does not have a financial interest in finding termites and then treating for them. The purpose of any inspection in the home buying process (including a termite inspection) is to provide a clear untainted view of the conditions that exist at the premises on the date of the inspection. A clear, professional unbiased inspection will help you to make a more informed real estate decision. Upon taking ownership of the house you may later choose to employ a termite treatment company to re-inspect the premises annually. Often more professional companies will offer a maintenance program that includes a single fee for annual inspections and any necessary treatment that arrives upon these inspections.
Prevention and Maintenance against WDI
Treatment is best left to individuals licensed to carry and use the proper treatment materials, however there are some interim steps you can take to make your home less inviting to wood destroying insects. For starters, these insects like and need moisture so here are so steps to take.
- Eliminate any standing water and its source.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean, in good repair and free of clogs.
- Use splash blocks where necessary.
- Maintain proper ventilation and remove obstructions the prevent access to the crawlspace.
- Repair leaking plumbing or any drainage under the house.
- Remove wood, such as scrap lumber, foundation from boards, tree stumps and firewood from beneath and around the home. Stack firewood off the ground and away from the home.
- Cut back all shrubs/bushes away from the foundation of the home.
- Remove or correct any wood to soil contact.
- To discourage dry wood termites, keep the exterior well painted, in good repair, seal all cracks and screen all vents.
Basic Termite and Wood Destroying Insect-Inspection include:
- A visual inspection of the property including attics, basements, crawlspaces and the exterior perimeter of the building
- A written report with any findings and potential termite entry points or conducive areas
- Recommendations to prevent Termites and Wood Destroying insects from entering the home and causing structural damage
Our Termite Inspection service areas include the following cities and towns: Ajax, Barrie, Beaverton, Bowmanville, Bracebridge, Brantford, Burlington, Caledon, Cambridge, Cobourg, Collingwood, Georgetown Guelph, Hamilton, Keswick, Kitchener, Lindsay, Markham, Milton, Mississauga, Muskoka, Newmarket, Niagara Falls, Oakville, Orangeville, Oshawa, Owen Sound, Peterborough, Pickering, Port Carling, Port Hope, Richmond Hill, Servern Bridge, Simcoe, St Catherines, Thornhill, Toronto, Waterdown, Waterloo, Whitby
Visit www.TermiteInspections.ca for more information on Toronto Termite inspection services