Where Do Termites Live in Canada?
WouterTermites are a type of wood-boring insect. They are usually found in tropical and subtropical regions. However, they are also commonly found in temperate and urban areas. They live in large colonies and are divided into reproductive and non-reproductive caste members. The reproductive caste members feed the young until workers take over. The worker caste members build the nest and defend the colony.
In Canada, there is only one known species of free-living termites. These termites live in the eastern part of Ontario. Until recently, scientists believed they had extirpated from the continent. However, they are now living in dozens of municipalities across southern Ontario.
Most of Canada is too cold for termites to survive. However, they are commonly found in cities and towns in the southern and southwest areas of the country. They are most common in cities along the coast. The western part of the country has some isolated infestations, especially in Vancouver.
Aside from the eastern subterranean termite, the two other types of termites found in Canada are dampwood and western subterranean termites. These termites are nuisances to human-made structures in Toronto.
Point Pelee National Park, a 16-kilometre sand spit, is one of the few places where termites are native. This area is located near the western basin of Lake Erie. It is a conservation area operated by Nature Conservancy Canada. Termites are reportedly established on Pelee Island.
In addition to Point Pelee National Park, there are other locations where termites are native. These include Windsor and Guelph.
