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About Guelph’s termite control program
2023 Termite Control Program status report
The City has concluded the active monitoring phase of the termite control program. Going forward, the City will enforce the provisions of the Ontario Building Code and the City’s Termite Control Bylaw on a property-by-property basis, if needed.
Between 2007 and 2023 the comprehensive termite control program the City implemented has reduced termite activity. The active monitoring phase of the program concluded at the end of 2023, finding there was no known termite activity in the management areas. Therefore, the need for any sort of continued termite inspection, monitoring or treatment is not necessary.
From 2007 to 2023, the City’s termite management program involved inspections, monitoring properties with traps, reducing termite habitat through yard wood management, area-wide colony level suppressive treatments and limited use of conventional chemical treatments where necessary.
Guelph’s former termite management areas map
Guelph’s former termite management areas map
Don’t move wood or soil from former termite management areas. To prevent the potential spread of termites, please use caution when donating or receiving any wood items that have been sitting outdoors on the ground such as firewood, landscaping ties, wood sheds, mulch, etc.
Buying or selling property in former termite management area
When selling a property in a previously infested area, it is recommended that prospective buyers be informed of previous termite activity in the area, and further consider having a termite inspection be performed by a licensed termite inspection company.
We recognize that some properties in these areas may not have had termite activity for some time.
How did termites get to Guelph?
The eastern subterranean termite was detected in Guelph in the early 1970s near Goldie Mill Park. The non-native insects were accidentally introduced from the United States to more than 30 Ontario municipalities.
Subterranean termites are non-native invasive insects that can cause serious structural damage to homes and can be difficult and expensive to control. Termites are wood destroying insects that live in large colonies numbering several million. They forage through the soil and expand the colony’s territory as they encounter new wood items to feed on. Termites tend to spread rather slowly, depending on the availability of surface dead wood, at an estimated rate of about 50 feet per year.
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Building Services
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