The Elora/Fergus Termite Action Group is taking matters into its own hands when it comes to termites in the community
CENTRE WELLINGTON – After waiting nearly four years for solutions, some residents have joined forces to combat termites in the community.
When Elora resident Maria O’Neill founded the Elora/Fergus Termite Action group on Facebook last month, it was “admittedly out of frustration” after seeing “how little” was being done in the community to address the “never-ending” termite problems in Centre Wellington.
O’Neill, who moved to Elora from the GTA in 2021, said her family has spent about $20,000 on termite prevention measures since they were surprised by termites the first summer, and she is “tired of throwing money out the window” on solutions that don’t last.
“What really frustrates me is that even though we’re doing everything right, I still have to spend large amounts of money every year on monitoring or individual treatments,” O’Neill said. “It’s just not sustainable for us, and it’s not sustainable for the average citizen of our city.”
The group was formed with 141 members to raise awareness, share current information, and help residents with similar problems work together to develop strategies for how the community can reduce their termite population.
In addition to their commitment to termite control services, O’Neill said the group plans to conduct community initiatives such as deadwood removal or educational events to inform the public about termites in the community.
“I’m really glad that people seem to be showing interest, and it’s nice to have that support because it’s a community issue, not an individual homeowner issue,” O’Neill said. “And if it’s not an issue for anyone right now, it’s probably going to become one if we don’t do something.”
The group is currently evaluating the Sentricon system, a termite bait system, and has scheduled meetings with two pest control companies to learn more about individual and group pricing options. O’Neill’s system will be installed this week and will cost them about $2,000 this year, plus annual monitoring costs.
“We need to do something, and that’s less talk and more action,” O’Neill said. “At this point, I want to protect my property as much as anyone else … and if we need a solution and a solution is available now, I’m not going to wait a year or two because my house might not be standing.”
O’Neill has also contacted the Centre Wellington Community Council to get an update on its search for a community termite control contractor. He was told they met this week to discuss solutions and would provide an update shortly.
When asked if she thought residents would still be willing to accept or trust a solution from the municipality if one was presented, O’Neill said the council had lost their trust and it depended on what was proposed and when it was implemented.
In her view, O’Neill would like to see the municipality develop a five- and 10-year plan, recommended by people who know about termites and based on models from nearby urban and rural communities that have successfully managed their termite problems.
“We keep hearing that things get going and then they die down quickly and then nobody talks about it anymore,” O’Neill said. “People are frustrated, as am I, and we just need more action and less talk about what we’re going to do.”
Isabel Buckmaster is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a government-funded program.
