Don’t Let Termites Undermine Your Bottom Line – What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know About Termites and Transactions!
Toronto is famous for its vibrant neighbourhoods and stunning homes, but lurking beneath the surface in many areas is a hidden threat—termites. Whether you’re a homeowner or a prospective buyer, understanding the termite issue in Toronto is crucial for protecting your investment.
A Brief History of Termites in Toronto
Believe it or not, the first recorded termite presence in Toronto dates back to 1938. These destructive pests likely arrived as stowaways in shipments and gradually spread throughout the city. While East York and The Beaches are often cited as termite hot spots, they have now infiltrated many parts of downtown, Old Toronto, and even suburban areas.
Knowledge is power when it comes to owning a home! Check out some of these videos next for more House Hub answers:
How to Identify Termite Activity in Your Home
Termites work silently and can cause extensive damage before they’re even noticed. Here are some key signs to watch for:
- Hollow-sounding wood – Tap on wooden surfaces; if they sound hollow, termites may be tunneling inside.
- Tight-fitting doors and windows – Moisture from termite activity can cause wood to warp, making them harder to open or close.
- Mud or shelter tubes – Pencil-width tunnels along walls or baseboards can indicate active termites.
- Discarded wings – In spring, termites swarm, shed their wings, and establish new colonies.
- Droppings – Tiny wood-colored pellets could be termite frass (excrement).
- Tunneling or bubbling paint – If you see wood damage or paint bubbling, termites could be the culprit.
- Spray foam insulation warning – Termites are particularly attracted to homes with spray foam insulation, so regular inspections are a must.
What to Do If You Suspect Termites
For Home Buyers:
- Check the property’s termite history. Companies like Aetna Pest Control track termite treatments across the city. Contacting them can help you determine if a property has had prior termite issues.
- Include a termite inspection in your offer. If possible, make your offer conditional on a termite inspection.
- Request an inspection before submitting an offer. Some sellers will allow a termite inspection before an offer is made, or they may provide a recent termite report to reassure buyers.
For Homeowners:
- Call a pest control professional. If you see signs of termites, don’t wait—get a professional inspection and treatment plan.
- Consider long-term prevention. Two common treatment options include:
- Liquid Termiticide – Applied around the home’s foundation, this chemical paralyzes termite jaws, stopping damage and spreading through the colony.
- Sentricon Bait Stations – Placed underground, these stations lure termites with an irresistible (and deadly) bait. Once consumed, termites spread the poison throughout their colony, eliminating the queen and ensuring complete eradication.
Sentricon is a minimally invasive solution that costs a few thousand dollars to install, with annual maintenance fees in the hundreds—well worth the investment for long-term peace of mind.
Curious about non-termite-related home maintenance? Here are a few more posts you might like:
Stay Vigilant and Protect Your Home
Termites may be a nuisance, but they don’t have to derail your homeownership dreams. By staying informed, proactive, and working with professionals, you can protect your property and keep termites from taking a bite out of your investment.
If you’re buying or maintaining a home in Toronto, regular termite inspections and preventative measures can save you thousands in repair costs.
Don’t let termites catch you off guard—take action today! Do you have questions about buying a home in Toronto? Get in touch with us today. Fill out the form on this page, call 416-909-9235, or email info@yaelandco.com.
Looking For More Expertise?
Click the button below to Meet the Yael + Co. team.
