Safety equipment for treating termites

Kim Kelley-Tunis, ACE, BCE, PCQI

As with any integrated pest management (IPM) program, PMPs always should be equipped with the tools needed to thoroughly inspect and treat their customers’ homes. When digging into the termite toolbox, a PMP’s first thought should be on safety. The use of safety equipment, like bump caps, coveralls, and knee and elbow pads, should never be overlooked. Safety equipment also can make inspecting and treating spaces such as crawlspaces and attics a little less hazardous.

A good flashlight is critical for illuminating those dark corners where mud tubes and termite damage often go unnoticed. The use of a probing tool and moisture meter also are important in identifying those structural members that may have a greater risk of damage from not only termites, but also other wood-destroying organisms.

Finally, when a treatment for termites is warranted, using the right tools for the job is still a must, including selecting the appropriate chemicals for the task at hand. Whether you’re choosing a soil termiticide, bait or wood treatment, the correct material and application equipment can be the difference between a successful termite treatment or a damage claim.