Dear David,
I heard that there are termites in some parts of the city. How do I find out where they are and protect myself? – Getting scared
LOVE GROW: The mere mention of termites is enough to scare any homeowner. These white, rice-sized insects turn wood into soil and multiply at an alarming rate, making them quite undesirable houseguests. The eastern subterranean termite is the most common type of termite in southern Ontario. Naturally occurring colonies are rare, but are believed to have entered cities with infected cargo such as firewood.
Termites live in large colonies, but because they dig and move frequently, they often go unnoticed until they cause damage. They are easy to spot outdoors on affected mulch, tree stumps, scrap wood or wooden retaining walls. Once inside, they’re harder to find.
Since termites can enter a house through hairline cracks in the foundation, the first signs of termite damage usually appear in the basement. Termites build “protective tubes” to isolate their surroundings and to store moisture. In an infected home, these tubes can appear as discolored streaks on walls and paneling, stains from stained wood, or in areas where paint is cracked and blistered. If the insects have been active, knocking on the walls may locate cavities.
Although locally unusual, termites are found in parts of Fergus, Elora, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge. Affected areas in the Tri-Cities are usually hyper-local and restricted to certain streets.
Local governments have varying degrees of transparency about termite information. The City of Guelph publishes management maps and neighborhood updates on the Guelph.ca website. The City of Kitchener provides general information online and encourages residents to contact the Construction Department (519-741-2312) if they have any concerns. Information is extremely limited on the city’s websites in Waterloo and Cambridge.
If you hear rumors of termite activity in your neighborhood, I recommend getting your property professionally inspected. If termites are found, you will need to have them removed by a professional termite control company, hopefully before they do any structural damage. This is not a task that you have to do alone.
PRO TIP: A skilled realtor can share information about locations that are affected by termites. If you happen to be shopping in any of these areas, I recommend that you have a termite inspector look over the property before making a solid offer. For additional protection, your listing may request confirmation from the seller or listing agent to confirm that the property does not have a termite problem. #AskDavid #Advice
David Schooley works with Mike Farwell, host of 570 News, and the Farwell4Hire campaign to support cystic fibrosis research. Through May 30th, David Farwell4Hire will donate $ 1,000 for every home his customers buy or sell. To reach David, call or send an SMS to 519-577-1212.
David Schooley is an award-winning real estate agent at RE / MAX Twin City in Kitchener. Recently referred to as Michael Jordan of Real Estate, his deep understanding of the nuanced local market is based on 30 years of entrepreneurial success in the Waterloo area. Passionate about customer success and community support, his Stuff the Hummer family events have collected over 200,000 emergency meals (and their count) for the Waterloo area food bank.
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