How to keep termites off your property: Lessons from Laurentian Hills

A pilot program to treat termite infestation in Kitchener's Laurentian Hills neighbourhood has prevented the pests from spreading beyond 13 properties according to the city.

Manager of Buildings Tim Benedict said the program began in the spring and involves spreading microorganisms called nematodes on infected properties.

Nematodes, which have been used to treat grub problems, multiply inside a termite when ingested, eventually causing the termite's death. They are not harmful to humans. 

Benedict said the city is also using borate, a natural termite deterrent, to contain the infestation. Borate rods have been drilled into the wooden posts of fences, decks and sheds throughout the infected area, also known as the "red zone." 

"Yes, the red zone is very active. The traps are monitored weekly now and [the contractor is] seeing activity in quite a few traps," Benedict said, adding that the city is holding out hope for better results before winter, when the temites will go dormant. 

"But outside the red zone we're not seeing any activity, which is good. That means we have it contained still, which was the key aspect. We wanted to make sure to keep it in one spot and then see what we can do to suppress it."

How to keep termites out of your home

Tim Benedict, manager of buildings for the City of Kitchener: "Don't give the termites a food source."

• Keep your yard clean of wood debris
• Keep wood piles elevated.

Stephen Dewar, affected Laurentian Hills resident: "Knowing what to look for is the first step and knowing what not to be concerned about."

• Know what they look like: "Termites are white, look like a small ant, but don't have different levels of the body."
• Invest in an inexpensive termite monitoring, which can be found online: "The termites are drawn to these cardboard discs. Simply by opening them up you can determine if you have a termite problem."
• Check for termite tubes: "Most houses have a cement foundation. [The termites] will climb up the wall and will create a tube that they access the house by, normally in a corner."