Pest Management Professional, November 2011
TERMITE INSPECTION dos donts Paul J Bello Contributor E ach day customers are counting on termite professionals to protect their homes and structures from subterranean termite invasion and the resulting damage For years the industry benefitted from annual springtime swarms of subterranean termites which triggered countless customer calls and an annual boon to the termite business However over the past decade termite swarms have become a rare event leaving professionals wondering what happened to the swarms Even though we dont see the swarms like we used to that doesnt mean the termites are not there a fact that makes annual inspections more important than ever Here are some termite inspection dos and donts for your consideration Do inspect your customers homes on at least an annual basis for evidence of termite activity Dont just check termite stations without also inspecting the structure Do prepare accurate diagrams of the structure Dont forget that there are many hidden pathways that termites may use to enter a structure Do include inspections of a structures interior as part of your regular annual termite inspections Dont enter a crawlspace to conduct inspections without being properly equipped Do use a digital camera to enhance your inspection documentation Dont assume that because there have been no swarms that there are no termites They often work in hidden areas Do learn about construction and how structures are built to help you better understand termite control work and inspection work Dont forget to report conditions conducive to termite activity in your annual termite inspections Do make viable written recommendations for correcting conditions conducive to termite activity for your customers Dont conduct termite inspections only upon customer request Structures should be inspected on an annual basis Do make sure that your written documentation is accurate legible and properly filed within your termite customer file When conducting termite inspections be properly prepared including a crawl suit bump cap knee elbow guards flashlight digital camera step ladder and suitable probe tool Dont forget that it is your responsibility as a termite professional to provide your customer with professional termite services conducted in a professional manner they are counting on you You can reach Bello at pbelloconsulting@ earthlink net or 770 500 0460 mypmp net Pest Management Professional November 2011 29
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