Control Solutions Inc.: Heather Patterson, Technical Service Manager
It’s common for concerned homeowners to ask pest management professionals (PMPs) lots of questions when it comes to protecting their homes from termite attacks. Because it’s one of their biggest investments, it can be overwhelming for anyone when they learn their home has been infested or damaged by termites. Below are five tips you can share with your customers about the things that can be done to protect their properties.
Identify, eliminate and reduce moisture problems. Subterranean termites (Rhinotermitidae) need moist soil to survive and forage. Look for issues like gutters and downspouts that are not installed or working properly, as well as leaking faucets, broken sprinkler heads, drainage issues and problems with pipes and drain lines.
Address conducive conditions in the landscape. Thick mulch beds that cover the foundation or touch the lower part of the siding are a good example. They inadvertently conceal a critical inspection area and can keep termites hidden as they creep into the home.
Repair damaged or rotten structural elements. This includes fascia, soffits, door frames, window trim, loose mortar around masonry, and deteriorating siding and shingles.
Address all wood on the property. From stumps to downed tree limbs, wood debris to firewood piles, any excess wood should be managed and stored properly. For firewood, this means off the ground and away from the home.
Share your knowledge and encourage them to learn about the signs of termite activity. From mud tubes to fecal pellets, when customers know what to look for, they are more likely to spot the subtle evidence termites leave behind and call for help.
BASF: Desiree Straubinger, BCE, CP-FS, Technical Services Representative
Termites pose significant challenges to PMPs. With their ability to cause extensive damage to buildings and structures, effective termite control requires a combination of knowledge, skill and the right techniques.
Before diving into treatment methods, it is essential to identify the species present and understand their behavior and life cycle. Recognizing the signs of termite activity, such as mud tubes, discarded wings, frass (termite droppings), and damaged wood, can aid in early detection and timely intervention.
Conducting a thorough inspection of all accessible areas is fundamental to effective termite control. While a visual inspection is crucial, using equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras can assist in gathering valuable information about the structure.
After identifying termites, it is essential to choose the proper treatment method. Options include liquid termiticides, baiting systems, wood treatments and fumigation. Often, multiple treatments will be necessary for a single structure, depending on the species and location of the infestation.
Customer cooperation is crucial in preventing termite infestations. Key points to relay include reducing moisture levels, avoiding direct wood-to-soil contact, sealing cracks and crevices, and scheduling regular termite inspections for the property.
Effective termite control demands a combination of careful inspection, appropriate treatment methods and preventive measures. By using these tips and tricks in the field, you can master the art of termite control, ensuring the protection of structures and peace of mind for customers.
Nisus: Dr. Jamel Sandidge, BCE, National Director of Technical Services
Back when I operated a pest management company, the statement that always made me both cringe and begin to anticipate an adventure on the horizon was, “Well, the inspector didn’t go in the attic.”
For those living in areas with frequent drywood termite (Kalotermitidae) infestations, attic inspections are essential and required. However, in regions with subterranean termites only, attics may be overlooked or given a quick, cursory glance that can easily miss issues.
I can clearly remember looking up at the attic entrance and hearing the “Willy Wonka” song spinning in my head: “Come with me and you’ll be in a world of pure imagination. Take a look and you’ll see into your imagination.” I just knew that something was lurking, and all I had to do was find it.
Even when performing inspections outside of drywood termite regions, it is critical to enter the attic. Roof leaks; overflowing gutters; broken pipes; condensation and leaking heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) units are common household issues capable of producing conditions that can lead to a termite trail from the ground to the attic.
This problem is compounded by the fact that these trails might develop without any obvious signs from visual inspection of the foundation or crawlspace. When you enter the attic to look for termites, remember that these spaces can be overwhelmingly hot and have mold, fiberglass insulation and other factors that make inspections physically challenging. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), remain hydrated and take frequent breaks if necessary.
Also, always remember that these inspections are not just for termites. There are plenty of other wood-destroying organisms (WDO) that could be wreaking havoc in this oft-neglected area of the home.
Ensystex: Michael Boyd, Technical Market Manager
“Beware a calm surface — you never know what lies beneath.”
— Paula Hawkins, Into the Water
Subterranean termites are the most prevalent type of termite in the U.S., and are responsible for significant structural damage. They are on the rise! The most common species of subterranean termite in the U.S. is the eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes). But the numbers of the very aggressive Formosan species (Coptotermes formosanus) also are increasing, causing more than $1 billion in damage annually in the U.S.
In response, PMPs must be proactive and inspect accounts frequently for new wood damage. One giveaway that there is damage is to knock on the wood. If it sounds hollow, there’s likely damage. Also, keep an eye out for distinctive mud tubes and swarming alates, especially in spring and early summer.
Pelsis: Anna Iversen, BCE, U.S. Technical Director
When we think of termite work, we typically think of rodding and trenching for subterranean termites. Foaming is a comparatively newer tool for termite control that complements more traditional methods. Foams are more nimble at reaching areas that liquids may have trouble getting to.
When injected into a treatment area, the foam expands, ensuring contact with all surfaces around it. It can even “creep” around objects, protecting all sides. Follow the equipment manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you’re getting the appropriate expansion ratio for the job. This will determine whether the foam is more wet or more dry, which dictates how it moves and expands in different substrates.
Envu: Jason Hart, Area Sales Manager
Termites can be one of the most difficult pests to control. Their cryptic behavior, as well as their fondness for dark, damp, protected spaces, make them difficult to detect. Luckily, they leave plenty of signs of their presence: mud tubes, swarming alates, discarded wings and damaged wood.
Post-construction liquid treatment for subterranean termites often requires drilling holes in the foundation, slabs and concrete porches. Whenever these areas are drilled and a void is encountered, it should be investigated further. The void may be an area where soil or fill has settled under these construction elements and may require foam treatment. Foam will fill the void, coating all surfaces that allow termites access into a structure.
Finally, when trenching and rodding around a foundation, it is always good practice to “cross” the rod holes to ensure a continuous treatment around the foundation. This entails rodding at angles in each direction as well as straight down. Make sure to use the correct drill bits.
Pest Control Insulation: Chris White, VP of Sales
Regular attic inspections and maintenance are essential to preventing termite infestations. One useful tool in helping to look for termites is the moisture meter.
It’s important to select a high-quality unit specifically designed for wood structures. Begin by conducting a visual inspection of the attic to identify any signs of termite infestation, such as mud tubes, discarded wings, or wood damage. Use the moisture meter to measure the moisture levels in the wood beams, joists and other structural components of the attic. Termites are attracted to moist environments, so areas with high moisture readings are more likely to harbor termite activity. Pay special attention to areas with consistently high moisture levels, as these may indicate a hidden termite infestation.
Syngenta: Dr. Tim Husen, BCE, PHE, PCQI, Technical Services Manager, Professional Pest Management
Termite agreement renewals are critical revenue components for many pest management businesses. An annual termite inspection (ATI) report often is the determining factor for customers deciding whether paying for termite services is worth it. Here are six additional tips for creating an ATI report that can help your customers see the value in your termite services:
Inspect the structure for active termite infestations and new conducive conditions. Examples include moisture issues and structural modifications that inhibit proper inspection.
Check the landscape and exterior of the property, including areas where landscape material or wood contacts the ground, outbuildings or old stumps, as termite infestations in these areas could lead to structural reinfestation in the future.
- Document everything. If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen!
- Go beyond simply stating “no activity in the station or on the structure.” Document in detail any structural and landscape conditions conducive to termite infestations.
- Use pictures to clarify and demonstrate the issues described in the ATI report.
When the ATI report is complete, always ask yourself, “Would I continue to pay for this?” If customers see value in your ATI report, they likely will continue to renew your termite protection plan.
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