Termite is a small insect that eats wood and materials with cellulose. People sometimes call termites “silent destroyers” because they work hidden, inside walls, floors, and foundations. In Ontario, Canada, termites can quietly damage homes and wooden parts. Many people ask, “are there termites in Ontario?” Yes — the eastern subterranean termite is a species known to live here Many don’t believe that insects like these can live in colder places, but they do, especially in parts of southern Ontario
Because our homes are made of wood, drywall, and other materials termites love, even a small infestation can grow and cause high repair costs. That’s why early detection, prevention, and strong control are very important. In this article, we will show you what termites look like, how to find them, how to protect your home, and how Pest Jam helps fight termites in Ontario in a safe and effective way.
What Do Termites Look Like? (Termite Identification)
When people search “what do termites look like” or “termite images”, they often mean: are they white, black, winged, or small? What is their shape and size?
Most common termites are small — maybe 3 to 5 millimeters long for workers and soldiers. Their bodies are soft and pale (almost white or cream colored) for the worker termites. The soldiers might have darker heads and stronger jaws. Some termites have wings (these are called swarmers or alates). When they grow wings, their body is elongated, and their wings are equal length front and back. Winged termites are often seen near windows or doors when they swarm to start new colonies.
If you search “do termites have wings” or “what does termite look like”, you will see pictures of both winged and wingless types. Termite wings are thin and transparent, and after they swarm the wings fall off. Finding shed wings inside your house is one sign of termite presence. Also, “termite holes” are small tunnels or pinholes in wood where termites have eaten inside. They leave wood that looks thin or hollow. “Termite size” is small but dangerous over time.
So when you see tiny pale insects, or see wings or tunnels in wood, you should suspect termites.
Are There Termites in Canada, Especially in Ontario
Many people ask: “termites in Canada”, “termites in Ontario”, or “termites in Alberta Canada”. The short answer: Yes, there are termites in Canada, but fewer types, and in limited regions.
In Canada, the most commonly known are subterranean termites (those that live in soil and build tunnels). In Ontario, the eastern subterranean termite is present. Some studies say that termite spread north is slow because cold winters limit them, but in cities and warmer areas they survive. In Alberta, termite presence is much rarer because of colder climate, but in sheltered or warmer local areas they might find micro‑climates. (Reports of termites in Alberta are very infrequent.) People also search “termites in alberta” or “termites alberta”, but there is little strong proof of large infestations there.
Because termites in Canada are less aggressive or less common than in tropical places, many people in Canada do not believe termites can harm homes but they do, and damage is sometimes hidden until severe.
Signs of Termites Inside House (How to Know You Have Them)
It is very important to find signs early. Here are common “termite signs” people search: “signs of termites in a house”, “how do I know if I have termites”, “termite damage”.
One sign is finding swarmer termites or alates. When a termite colony is ready to grow, winged termites fly out in groups. If you see tiny flying insects inside near windows or doors, or find dropped wings, that’s a red flag. You might see mud tubes or tunnels along basement walls or wood beams. These protect termites from light and dryness. You may observe hollowed wood or wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or small pinhole holes. Also, peeling paint, sagging floors, or tight doors and windows can hint at shifting wood due to termite damage.
Sometimes termites are mistaken for ants. But ants have narrow “waists” and bent antennae; termites have straight bodies and straight antennae. Also termites’ wings are equal in size; ants’ front and back wings differ. If you search “termite what does it look like”, “what does termites look like”, or “pictures of termites”, you’ll see these differences.
Because many of these signs are subtle, it helps to look in damp parts of house: basements, crawl spaces, near plumbing leaks, near wooden beams touching soil.
Types of Termites Affecting Homes (Subterranean, Drywood, etc.)
There are different types of termites that behave differently. The two main ones to know are subterranean termites and drywood termites.
Subterranean termites live in soil and need moisture. They build tunnels to reach wood. Most termite damage in Ontario is by subterranean termites (especially the eastern subterranean termite). They are the ones that build mud tubes.
Drywood termites live inside wood and do not always need contact with soil. They can infest wooden furniture, timber, and cabin wood. Cryptotermes brevis is one example of drywood termite that can live entirely inside wood. These are more common in warmer climates, but sometimes they are moved with wood and furniture.
Each type requires different treatment methods: subterranean ones might need soil treatment or barrier defenses, drywood ones might need wood injections.
How Termites Cause Damage in Ontario Homes
Termites eat wood and material with cellulose (wood, paper, cardboard). Over time, they hollow out structural supports, beams, floors, and furniture. Because they eat inside wood, much of the damage remains hidden until it is serious. That’s why people often only notice damage when walls become soft or sagged.
In Ontario, damage by eastern subterranean termite is known, and they can weaken the foundation structure or cause moisture problems. Sometimes termite infestation in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is linked to money lost in property value and repairs. The Canadian Wood Council cautions that while termites are less aggressive in Canada, they still cause economic harm.
Because of hidden nature, even small infestations over years can leave walls, floors, and wood beams unsafe. Extra moisture, leaks, or wood in contact with soil makes it easier. So homes built with wood meeting soil (wood siding, beams touching ground) are more at risk.
How to Prevent Termites Before They Enter
Prevention is always easier than curing. Here are simple and effective steps:
First, keep wood away from soil. Don’t let wood piles, firewood, or beams touch earth. Use concrete or raised platforms.
Second, fix moisture issues. Repair leaking pipes, drains, gutters. Make sure basement or crawl space is dry and ventilated.
Third, maintain barriers and landscaping. Ensure soil slopes away from foundation, keep gutters clean so water doesn’t pool. Avoid mulch or shrubs close to foundation walls.
Fourth, inspect regularly. Check for tunnels, mud tubes, wood damage, and dropped wings. Look in basements, crawl spaces, attics.
Fifth, use retreatments and barriers such as treated wood, termite-resistant materials, or professional soil barriers installed by Pest Jam.
By these steps, many termite infestations can be avoided entirely.
How Pest Jam Handles Termite Treatment Your Best Solution
When you find signs of termites or suspect damage, Pest Jam offers expert yet safe solutions across Ontario. We focus on being trustworthy, effective, and caring for your home.
First, Pest Jam conducts a full termite inspection. We search all areas: basement, crawl space, wood touching soil, piping entry points, even attics. We find tunnels, mud tubes, wood holes, and wings.
Second, we identify which termite type is present (subterranean, drywood, etc.). This helps choose correct treatment.
Third, we design a treatment plan. For termites that come from soil (subterranean), Pest Jam may install termite bait stations or create a chemical barrier. For drywood types, wood injection treatments or spot removal of infested wood may be used.
Fourth, Pest Jam ensures safety. Our methods use approved materials, low toxicity options, and minimal disruption. We always protect your family, pets, and home.
Fifth, we provide monitoring and follow-up. Termites can try to come back, so we check periodically. If we find fresh signs, we act early.
Pest Jam also helps you with preventive maintenance after the issue is under control. That keeps termites away. With Pest Jam, your home in Ontario has strong guard against termites.
Local Ontario Tips & Why Pest Jam Stands Out
Because your region is Ontario, here are local considerations:
Ontario’s climate can be harsh, with cold winters. Termites must stay protected. That is why you may see them near heated foundations, close to homes, where snow or frost is less. Heat from buildings helps them survive. Also, old or aging homes with wood foundations or wood in contact with earth are more vulnerable.
Many people in Ontario search “termites Ontario”, “termites in Ontario house”, or “Ontario termite prevention”. They are looking for help fast. Pest Jam knows these local patterns. We tailor our inspections and treatments to Ontario’s soil, weather, construction styles, and pest species.
Because damage is hidden, many homeowners only realize termite issues when repairs are expensive. Pest Jam encourages periodic checkups, especially in older homes or those with wood touching ground. Early detection saves thousands.
In Ontario, many suburbs and rural homes have crawl spaces. These are ideal termite hideouts. Pest Jam trains technicians to inspect those low, dim, damp spaces well. We also help you fix drainage, grade land, and reduce moisture — steps that typical pest services sometimes skip.
What sets Pest Jam apart in Ontario is our blend of local knowledge, safe and modern methods, and emphasis on prevention and care (not just extermination). With us, you not only remove the current termite issue but also prevent future infestations.
What to Do Now If You Think You Have Termites
If you now worry about termites in your home (especially after reading this), here’s a plan:
- Look for signs: check wood, walls, basement, crawl space for mud tubes, holes, wings, or hollow-sounding wood.
- Document evidence: take photos of tunnels, holes, or insects. Search “termites inside house” or “termite images” to compare.
- Call Pest Jam right away to schedule a full termite inspection in Ontario. Our trained specialists visit, assess, and find hidden problems.
- Follow our advice: after inspection, we will share a plan—maybe barrier treatments, bait stations, wood corrections, moisture fixes.
- Monitor and maintain: after treatment, you should keep checking annually or semiannually, fix leaks, keep wood off ground, and maintain dry conditions.
Acting quickly is smart. Termites grow slowly and quietly, so the sooner they are found, the easier and cheaper it is to fix.
Termite problems in Ontario may feel scary, but they can be managed and prevented. By knowing what termites look like, checking often, keeping wood dry and off soil, and calling Pest Jam for expert help, you protect your home. Whether your concern is termites in Ontario, termites in Canada, how to remove termites, or signs of termites in house, the information here helps you act confidently. Don’t wait until the damage is severe. Contact Pest Jam in Ontario today — and let us help you secure your home against termites with care, experience, and safe methods.
FAQ for Termite Ontario
Can termites bite people or pets?
No, termites rarely bite humans. Their mandibles are built to chew wood, not flesh. Still, their presence is dangerous to wood, not to you physically.
Are termites in Ontario common?
They are not everywhere, but they exist, especially in southern regions and in warm sheltered spots. Many people are surprised to learn that termites in Canada are real.
Do termites in Alberta exist?
Very rarely. The colder climate makes survival harder. Reports are scarce. Many times they cannot establish large colonies. But because of climate variation, isolated cases might happen.
Do termites have wings?
Yes, the winged swarmers do. After they fly, they shed wings. Finding shed wings is often one of the first signs of termites.
How big are termites?
Worker termites are small (3‑5 mm), soldiers slightly bigger. Winged ones might look longer because of wings. “Termite size” searches often show images to compare.
What do termites eat?
They eat cellulose wood, paper, plant matter. They can tunnel through wooden beams, crates, even drywall paper backing.
What’s a subterranean termite?
It’s a termite that lives in soil and uses tubes to travel to wood sources. These are the most common type in Ontario.
