There continues to be a steady decline in termite activity in Guelph.
The Termite Control Program 2018 Annual Report says the city's termite population reached a new low last year, with just eight properties experiencing termite activity. There were 19,782 termites trapped, a 49.3% decline from 2017.
In 2011 there were 104 properties with identified termite activity.
As a result the termite control program is switching to part-time status.
"Given the lower level of current activity and the shrinking area in need of further monitoring, the project has been scaled back to a part time project for 2019 and 2020. Current plans envision completion of all monitoring by the end of 2020 followed by a transition management plan," says the report to Guelph City Council.
The city has been dealing with an infestation of the eastern subterranean termite since the 1970s.
"This insect pest can be difficult and expensive to control and can cause serious structural damage to wood frame structures and housing," the city's report say.
To combat the problem the city embarked on a comprehensive termite control program. It ranged from traditional treatments and pre-treatments to advanced efforts such as the use of chemicals and nematodes.
