Tips & Tricks: 5 Tools for PMPs to Detect Termites

Nicky Gallagher

There are many tools pest management professionals (PMPs) can use to detect termites:

• Moisture meters — A moisture level of 20 percent or more is a strong indicator of termites.
• Methane detectors — Inserting a probe into the area will sound an alarm if the level indicates a termite infestation.
• Infrared cameras — Detect temperature differences between termites and the surrounding environment.
• Acoustic detectors — Monitor termites’ chewing signals; small wireless options can alert a termite presence.
• Optical borescope — Drilling a hole into the wall to insert the borescope can show how vast the termite damage is without removing an entire wall.

— Dr. Nicky Gallagher, Technical Services Manager, Syngenta Professional Pest Management