Entomologist Tim Myles told Center Wellington’s committee as a whole that he was not sure he could take on this extermination project
CENTER WELLINGTON – Treating Center Wellington’s termite problems will be a bigger task than an expert hoped.
Tim Myles, an entomologist and termite expert, told the community committee on Monday that he was surprised to see how extensive the problem is when you add all of the properties together.
Last summer and fall, Myles and his company investigated areas in Elora and Fergus that were previously known to have termite activity.
Myles said this included a five-minute inspection of the homes to check tree stumps, firewood and wood chips for evidence of termite activity.
Definitive activity has been noted in 150 households, but Myles’s method of eradication involves a block-wide approach.
This means that properties are treated that are next to or in between those with confirmed activity and those that surround them.
Hence, Myles said the number of properties involved was nearing 500.
By comparison, he said a similar project in Elmira includes around 120 properties.
Using the same cost numbers, he estimated that using his services would cost the city $ 1 million over five years. He said he was confident that his technique could almost eliminate the problem.
However, he wasn’t even sure if he could take on this project alongside his work in Guelph and Elmira.
“I think it’s too much for me to interfere without preparing for a second career,” Myles told the committee. “The circumference is five times as big as I had hoped it would be.”
The committee made no decision on future action, but council members wondered where they would go.
Count. Ian MacRae asked if he could train others on his technique so they could take on this project.
Myles said he would not “hold someone’s hand and teach” them, but his system is known and could be implemented by others.
“Since you’re in the business, I’m sure you know other people who do similar things … could you provide us with a list of other people who do something like this?” Graf. asked Neil Dunsmore. “What guidance would you give our employees if we did it ourselves?”
Myles said he could give a list, but stressed that there is no one doing what he is doing in addition to his experience as a researcher.
Dunsmore asked for clarification as to whether he would take on any role with the community paying for services.
Myles replied that he couldn’t get off to a strong start this year due to previous commitments.
“What we could do if we got into it is a priority removal of stumps and internal inspections,” Myles said, but added that they might not get into chemical treatment or traps until next year.
At the Count’s request. Bob Foster, on what local residents can do to limit the spread of termites, told Myles to practice logging in the garden.
This means that you are getting rid of woodchip mulch, tree stumps, and other pieces of dead wood.
Mayor Kelly Linton said more discussion was needed on how to proceed but said it was good to have a solid evidence base.
The full committee accepted the report for information.
