Guelph managing termite activity near John Galt Park

Press release.

After inspecting 300 properties near downtown Guelph, the City found evidence of termites on five properties near John Galt Park.

A map of the ohn Galt Park termite management area

shows the five properties in red meaning the City found evidence of termite activity in the park, the River Run Centre and three Wellington County Catholic School Board buildings. The City is also monitoring termite activity on 12 adjacent properties to prevent the spread of termites downtown.

“After discovering termites at the River Run Centre

this spring, we treated the area, inspected 300 properties and installed 169 termite traps,” said Tim Myles, the City’s termite control officer. “We’ve mapped out the termite management zone, notified the affected property owners and we’re providing them with safe ways to dispose of wood and soil.”

In and around termite zones the City asks property owners to remove dead trees and stumps, and use non-wood materials for renovations and landscaping. An inspection is required before selling a property in a termite zone, and the Ontario Building Code has specifications for new buildings, porches, and decks in termite infested areas.

To prevent the spread of termites the City urges all residents to be cautious about donating or receiving any wood items that have been stored on the ground, such as firewood, landscaping ties, wood sheds, mulch, etc.

About Guelph’s termite management program

Guelph’s termite management program helps to control the local termite population and prevent damage to wood structures. Since 2007, the program has proven effective in reducing termite populations in the Emma/Pine, Woolwich, and Windermere
termite management areas.

Today, Guelph’s five termite management areas encompass 663 properties.

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.