Ontario has a huge variety of wood damaging insects. The first way to prevent any infestation is to identify species that might be a nuisance. Although some eat wood as part of their diet, others dig tunnels for nests. All have equal effects on the structural support of your home. If they get into the walls or floors it can result in major collapse or worse.

Termites

These are the worst wood damaging insects you can have. Termites will eat the wood from inside structures. On the outside everything looks fine, but it can be destroyed with a simple jab of a screwdriver. They live on the cellulose in wood and create a series of tunnels as they dine. Subterranean termites live underground and need moisture to survive. Wood close to soil is their favourite type. Drywood termites eat dry wood and don’t nest underground. They enter homes from above.

Carpenter Ants

A common misconception is that carpenter ants actually eat wood. However, they don’t. They build nests and galleries in wooden structures. Taking the wood shavings out. These are large ants and depending on species vary in colour between red, black, yellow and brown. Some carpenter ants have wings. Rotten wood near windows and leaky pipes make easy entrances to your home for the ants.

Powderpost Beetles

Small brown beetles with elongated bodies and small heads. Mature bugs will lay eggs on top of wood or just below the surface. The larvae feeds on wood making a tunnel to the surface over five years. Damage is often found in floors, planks, paneling, door frames, furniture and molding.

Wood Borers

A group of insects that feast on trees, acorns and nuts. Common species are metallic wood borers, wood wasps, bark beetles and longhorned beetles. They dig holes in wood to lay eggs and tunnel again when larvae exit. Mostly found in firewood, log homes or structural wood.

Ancaster pest control.

Wood eating insects can cause major damage to your home. When they get into main structural elements it can weaken the wood causing collapse. If you suspect insects in your building contact Truly Nolen.