Dr. Janis Reed, BCE, Technical Services Manager, Product Development Team, Control Solutions Inc.
Termite and other wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspections can be tricky. Do-it-yourself (DIY) home renovations, unusual construction, tight crawlspaces, impossibly small access panels, narrow attics, and excessive clutter can all interfere with both a thorough inspection and a successful treatment.
In the past 20 years or so, however, technology has evolved to help pest management professionals (PMPs) make better, more complete inspections. Examples of technology that can be included in a “next-generation” termite inspection include:
- Moisture meters
- Borescopes
- Infrared (IR) cameras
- Electronic termite detection
While some of these tools are state-of-the-art and provide PMPs with the ability to see things that are otherwise hidden, there is no replacement for a keen eye and training. Be sure you have a set of these “low-tech” tools that no PMP should be without:
- A quality flashlight
- Inspection mirror(s)
- Extension ladder
- Probing tool
Still, the right tools only do so much: The person wielding the tool still needs to know what to look for and where to look before any of these tools are worthwhile.
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