Pest Management Professional, May 2017

Tips Tricks TERMITES conTinued FroM Page 74 Bayer By Joe Barile BCE Technical Services Coordinator Regardless of whether termite services function as a separate division within a pest management business all technicians should receive regular basic training about termite biology behavior and control Technicians who havent been trained how to recognize termite activity might be costing companies business Because termites are cryptic insects train technicians to recognize conditions within structures that are conducive to termite attack Wood to soil contact is an obvious route for subterranean termites to gain entry into structures But you also should train them to inspect firewood piles scrap lumber and building materials and alternative sources of cellulose that termites can infest Inspection training also should involve checking fences outdoor buildings sheds gazebos pool houses etc and tree stumps Basic training must provide instruction for physical inspection by probing sounding and using moisture meters If your company serves regions where multiple species of termites are active teach technicians how to recognize drywood termite activity vs subterranean termite activity and even dampwood termite activity as applicable Termites are social insects so control is focused on intercepting termites moving from the colony site and preventing free access into the structure or exposing them to termiticides that are shared causing colony collapse from soil treatments or baits The proper application of termite treatment materials is critical to success Technicians must understand application methods and basic construction techniques to protect the structure effectively Bug Off Pest Control Center By Andy Linares President The key to success in any termite job is to follow these principles Choose appropriate products and follow label directions to the letter Keep up to date with your state regulations Follow personal protective equipment PPE requirements Carry a spill kit and have a first aid kit on hand Use the right equipment and always invest in the highest quality tools you can afford Dont forget your tool repair kits extension cords cleanup materials and a drill interrupter Maintain the correct pressure when performing subsoil applications Calibrate your equipment so you maintain the proper flow rate Treat all access points and space your drill holes properly so you ensure an uninterrupted barrier Incorporate foaming in your program Use as many treatment options as practical such as subsoil direct wood and gallery treatments void applications and baiting systems among others Finally I cant stress enough how important it is to graph out the property The graph is useful for developing a treatment strategy calculating how much material you need plotting out treatment options noting conducive conditions and signaling corrective actions to be taken Along with photographic video archives it should become part of the permanent record as it helps to identify changes to the property in the future and also helps limit liability Etex Ltd By Mike Fortuna COO A good way to train new inspectors is to have them understand that they are the houses doctor Doctors use all the tools available to find the exact location of the problem Their next step is to explain what was found and the procedure for eliminating alleviating the problem The doctors work however does not end there A good doctor looks for the cause and recommends preventive treatment Is there a stack of firewood against the house The doctor must communicate the need to change these things with the homeowner as well as with the surgeon technician who will be performing the treatment Just like in the medical world communication among all parties involved is an absolute must The technician must note on the report if that stack of firewood by the house has not been removed for example It could be important in a callback situation 76 May 2017 Pest Management Professional mypmp net