From the category archives:

Termites

Thumbnail image for C.Y.A. Real Estate Termite Inspections

C.Y.A. Real Estate Termite Inspections

The termite inspection for the purpose of a real estate transaction is the #1 reason for litigation against pest control companies in America & I don’t think this is going to change anytime soon. It doesn’t matter if you’re the seller, buyer or just refinancing, the thought of finding termites can really put a dent [...]

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Thumbnail image for Determining monolithic slab and termite entry

Determining monolithic slab and termite entry

What does it matter what kind of slab you have if you’ve got termites? It’s all the same treatment isn’t it? Well I do realize that with the advent of Termidor and other non repellant termiticides construction knowledge is not as key as it used to be but in dealing with termites , every advantage [...]

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Thumbnail image for The strongest finger in the world-using bubbled paint to find termites

The strongest finger in the world-using bubbled paint to find termites

A few years ago I received a call from a very angry man. He owned a home that I performed a WDO (wood destroying organism report) on and was furious that I found termites and termite damage. Now on one hand I couldn’t blame him. He had the home treated with liquids and with baits [...]

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Thumbnail image for Termite treatment for a mobile home

Termite treatment for a mobile home

It’s not very often homeowners will venture up under their homes. Although I did write an article about an 80 year lady who did. I can’t blame anybody for not wanting to crawl under the house where it’s dirty and spider webs hang down like drapes in a haunted mansion. This dark abyss is often [...]

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Thumbnail image for The 3 most conducive conditions for termite invasions

The 3 most conducive conditions for termite invasions

If termites are blind and shun light just how do they find their way into your home? I mean they live under ground and can’t follow already made pathways but actually have to make tunnels in which to move. Soil particle by soil particle they span out and as if by random and they still [...]

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Termites over troubled water

Termite work is tricky enough but add to this a home over water and you could be scratching your head as to what to do. Pesticides and fish don’t seem to get along and reoccurring termites with damage isn’t that great either. There are many unique situations out there just waiting for an answer and [...]

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Thumbnail image for Defensive termite inspections when danger lurks

Defensive termite inspections when danger lurks

Years ago I crawled under a home for a WDO/WDI inspection and did NOT heed my own training by scoping the situation out before hand. Half way through I noticed that every move I made to go forward caused a thick dust to plume up in this dark, tight and very dry crawl space. I [...]

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Thumbnail image for An open letter to under qualified WDO/WDI Inspectors

An open letter to under qualified WDO/WDI Inspectors

September 14, 2010 Under qualified termite Inspectors Mega Termite Sales Inc. 4321 First Street Anytown, State 54321 Dear Mega Termite Sales Inspectors, It has come to our attention that many wood destroying organism/insect reports have been issued in error as well as 2nd opinion inspections conflicting on the subject of wood rot/ wood decaying fungi. [...]

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Thumbnail image for How termiticide moves when you shoot the slab

How termiticide moves when you shoot the slab

For termite technicians drilling can be some of the hardest work of any job. At times the cement can swallow your entire drill bit it’s so thick. Your back locks in a hunched over position as you fight thick shrubbery and the sun beats mercilessly upon your head and shoulders. Dull bits can make simple [...]

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Thumbnail image for Why termite inspectors tap wood

Why termite inspectors tap wood

One ‘pet peeve’ I have is inspectors who all but take a baseball bat to the baseboards and trim of a home to find termites. While tapping is an acceptable method of finding damaged wood, causing damage with harsh or uncaring probing is not. I shot a video the other day that illustrates how tapping [...]

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What is a termite swarm castle?

Ever think about the tiny tubes that termites use to travel back and forth? Over time some tunnels can get pretty big and thick but still if you think about swarms of termites which can be in the thousands of winged alates and the relatively small size of the tunnels they use, just how can [...]

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Thumbnail image for Why attached sheds attract termites

Why attached sheds attract termites

When you think about termites and why they would be attracted to your home you ultimately come up with a list of conducive conditions. Leaking water spigots, cracks in the foundation, stored wood piles right next to the house and the list goes on and on. While it’s great to realize these areas could be [...]

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Thumbnail image for Subterranean termites on the roof

Subterranean termites on the roof

When we think of the word subterranean our minds might take us to some deep very dark caves where you literally can’t see your hand in front of your face. You could never imagine living in utter darkness like this and if you stay too long, even in your imagination you’ll soon be looking for [...]

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Thumbnail image for Wdo inspections are not a sales lead

Wdo inspections are not a sales lead

I realize that many pest control operators have a dim view on quick inspections. I read and hear their comments on forums, at continuing education meetings or in magazines. I agree that $25.00 inspections lead to problems but even if you’re charging $250.00 and all you’re treating the wdo as is a sales lead then [...]

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Thumbnail image for Making complex wdo inspections simple

Making complex wdo inspections simple

Recently I sent one of my techs out on a wdo (wood destroying organism) inspection and I was amazed that it took him well over 2 hours to perform. Normally I do all the inspections for my company because of the liability but this was a repo home so there were no issues of pesky [...]

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