The good news about termite control is if you don’t like the way services are being performed, wait because it will change.
When I started in pest management in 1961, we were using chlordane as the primary termiticide. There was a label, but I’m not sure most read it. We discovered the label wasn’t consistent with how most pest management professionals (PMPs) were using the product. It was structured from the work that was done on new construction, not existing construction. Chlordane served us well until the early 1980s, when odor became a problem and Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring — first published in 1962 with the message some chemicals could be affecting the environment — finally caught on with the public.

The work was difficult, and the equipment wasn’t as good as we needed, so quite a few PMPs cut corners. We quickly discovered termiticide worked well, even if it wasn’t applied according to new developing recommendations — that 2 percent on government-funded construction and 1 percent on other treatments often wasn’t needed. Much less termiticide placed in correct areas would have controlled termites and lasted for many years in most cases. Closer hole placements, trench-and-rod treatment, and a continuous application typically would have provided effective control.

A post-chlordane profession
After chlordane was removed from the market in April 1988, the technology in termiticide expansion went into full swing, ushering in changes we struggled with daily. The past 28 years have shown the most advancements in the termite control and prevention in history.

I was blessed to be in the middle of this technology development and part of its field application testing — including organophosphate (Dursban), pyrethroids (Bifenthrin), baits, neonicotinoids (Premise), fipronil (Termidor) and chlorantraniliprole (Altriset). Now we have an arsenal of materials that’s better than expected and appears to be lasting much longer — sometimes more than 20 years and showing no signs of increased infestations and damage. The problem with new termiticides is some might be too good, meaning they might last too long in the environment and target more than termites.

Other factors also have advanced termite control. Regulations have helped even the playing field with regard to training and recordkeeping. Labels are more consistent in the application and use of termiticides. Termite work is still difficult, but label changes lowered the intensity of treatments, making it easier to do trench-and-rod and vertical treatments. Baits and borates also have changed how new-construction treatments are made, with more than 1 million treatments showing effective control
of subterranean termites, native and Formosan. Foam-diluted pesticides also have been proven to reach places liquid alone won’t, providing control in even the worst conditions.

Year 2033
If the next 20 years is anything like the past 28, the sky is the limit. Starting about a decade ago, field testing improved considerably by using inspection technologies such as infrared, acoustical emission (sound) moisture meters, X-ray and radar technologies. Infestations of termites, as well as other insects and rodents, can be found in structures with these tools. Small amounts of targeted injection treatments show excellent results. By 2033, I don’t see us using the same quantities of pesticides to control pests. Sensors will tell us when and where pests are in structures, as well as outside on lawns, fields and golf courses.
All of these improvements come at a price — specifically the rising cost of developing innovative control solutions and the time needed to properly train PMPs on product usage and regulations. Even so, retreatments and claims are at an all-time low thanks to decades of improvements, and professionals from various sectors are working together more than ever to make the industry even more successful by 2033. pmp

You can reach Hardy, a 2005 PMP Hall of Fame inductee, at hardyboyz@msn.com

In mid-November, the temperature was warmer than normal. Then, all of a sudden, on Nov. 13, 14 and 15, it became unseasonably cold. On Nov. 16, 2013, about midday, the temperature and humidity sprang back up to about 70°, resulting in an outside termite swarm, which was found by Termite Specialist Adam Fontaine in Mobile, Ala. This is great news for the industry because based on past history, such conditions in the fall have led to termite activity for spring and the following fall.

To understand subterranean termite swarming, return to the basics on termites. I’m not referring to any books, just what I’ve observed throughout my career. After a new colony is about 3 years old — considering they’ve been an area with plenty of requirements for survival, such as food, moisture, shelter and favorable temperatures — they start to produce swarmers. Most of these queens stay in the mother ship and start assisting the primary queen to develop the colony. In about the fifth year, they deploy swarmers from the colony. Remember, swarming to protect termite survival is their first responsibility; second is protecting their own.

Subterranean termites start their increased egg production around July, when the colony is most active. If the colony is at the correct size, construction of swarm castles starts. Castles are placed at the end of tunnels generally close to the outside atmosphere. Indoors, they’re typically located high on first-floor walls, above windows and doors, or coming out through the wallboard at the studs or joints. Many times, they appear to be just a spot of dirt, so they’re easy to miss, even if you’re looking for them. A castle generally is built from September to February, depending on the region of the country. Florida, for example, can have swarmers year-round.

Implications for PMPs

This means pest management professionals (PMPs) have to inspect for termites better and year-round. Instead of waiting for termites in the form of a swarm, become termite castle hunters. For the past 10 years, our climatic conditions have been perfect in many regions of the country for insect development of almost all species. In fact, the only exceptions I can think of are Alaska and a few of the upper West and Midwest states. During the past few years, I’ve noticed — mostly from phone calls and images sent to me — more outside swarms, which are even happening in areas where swarms are uncommon, such as middle and upper Michigan.

With that in mind, here are a few inspection tips:

• Start the inspection before you get out of the vehicle. Look at the roof line. You can quickly spot whether there have been any structural changes. These are ideal spots to note on the inspection diagram because they mean entry points for termites.
• Consider situations such as a recent addition to the structure because such a project (i.e., tree removal) could have changed the property. When trees are removed, the roots and wood scraps are often left behind.
• Look for water problems — not standing water, but where the soil stays moist. With the exception of drywoods, termites need additional moisture. Standing water will make them move to drier areas.
• Note what’s outside the house: storage sheds, fences, playhouses, doghouses and landscape timbers can provide excellent termite harborage. So can mulch, tree stumps, roots, wood in contact with the ground, stepping-stones and splash blocks.
• Don’t forget the attic because it’s the No. 3 area in which to find termite castles. That’s because it offers high, undisturbed areas and moisture from vent pipes.
• At many accounts, you might be watched or recorded, so treat every job as though it’s being recorded, and thoroughly inspect. pmp

Paul Hardy, PMP Hall of Famer and contributor is a retired senior technical director for Atlanta-based Orkin with 52 years of industry experience.

After talking to pest management professionals (PMPs) throughout the country, it appears the industry is poised for a banner year. Pests are plentiful and leads are at an all-time high. I’m not sure whether this is a result of effective marketing, global travel and commerce, conducive weather that favors insect and rodent activity, and/or a new generation of customers that has zero tolerance for pests.

Based on my experience, I suspect we’re primarily just repeating cycles of climatic conditions that seem to happen every 10 to 15 years. Add to that the mix of invasive species of insects delivered to the United States every day: red imported fire ants, Formosan termites, lovebugs, kudzu bugs, Argentine ants, bigheaded ants, Asian tiger mosquitos and Asian long-horned beetles to mention a few.

Along with climatic conditions, another cycle I’ve seen replayed is some pests eventually become resistant to some of the control technologies PMPs commonly use. Fortunately, many manufacturers continue to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to arm PMPs with new control technologies featuring even better efficacy performance and reduced environmental impact.

Some industry sages say, “Always bet on the pest.” They have a point. So far, we haven’t successfully eliminated any of the key structural pests. Even bed bugs returned with a vengeance. Heck, it takes a lot of work just to keep up with pests’ development and changes in nature.
The bottom line: The pests will be here long after us. The demand for, and dollars from, professional pest management services should hit new heights this year.

Bed bugs continue to be a big problem — and not just in hotels and homes. They’re infesting more schools, buses, cars, churches, libraries … you name it. Bed bug control requires a lot of effort and costs a lot more than general pest control. These cryptic bloodsuckers really make it difficult for PMPs and their customers.

Ants will be plentiful this year. In most areas of the country, there has been plenty of moisture with moderate temperatures, making ant reproduction rates higher than normal. And if PMPs thought the Argentine and fire ants were big and bad, wait until they deal with tawny crazy ants spreading throughout the United States. I’ve heard PMPs say the ants won’t survive in certain regions because they’re too hot or cold. However, we live and work in controlled environments, making it ideal for all pests to survive.

Even though we have better tools in our arsenal than we’ve had during the past 50 years, we still have German cockroaches, and the number of related calls is increasing daily. The pesticides baits, liquids and dusts might have been too good. Some resistance might be showing up. If so, it might be time for some to consider pesticide and formulation rotation. If it’s not working, stop doing the same thing and getting the same results.

Every week I receive pictures showing live termites in wood and mud tunnels, and even swarmers in the winter. Residential and commercial construction are improving, which means more opportunities. We just need to do a better job inspecting and treating.

Rodents — rats, mice, squirrels, etc. — also are an increasing concern despite exclusion efforts. These critters are crafty and prolific.
There’s never been a better time to be a PMP. We have the best materials, application equipment, and training — and our customers have zero tolerance for pests. pmp

You can reach Hardy, a PMP Hall of Famer, at hardyboyz@msn.com

Photo courtesy of, and copyrighted by, Gene White, pmimages@earthlink.net

1. Younger wood used in construction. Wood harvested from the United States and Canada isn’t old virgin timber; it’s new, younger wood that’s loaded with starch or the softwood many beetles and borers prefer in the forest and after a fresh cut. Wood itself has its own built-in protection from most insects and fungus, but when that timber has been compromised by drought, fire or mechanical damage, it becomes susceptible to disease, insects and fungi.

2. Imported wood and hitchhiking pests. With the housing boom during the 1980s, the U.S. and Canadian supply was picked over. Additionally, environmental concerns placed harvesting restrictions on forests, which, in turned, increased prices. This made purchasing wood from other countries more feasible and increased importing building materials from other countries. But some overseas shipments brought invasive species we in the U.S. aren’t used to dealing with and for which there are no native predators. This has forced us to deal with many new species of wood-infesting insects and fungi. Wood leaving the U.S. has to be treated and inspected, but new wood of any type coming into this country doesn’t have to be treated or inspected. Only 2 percent of imported wood and wood products are inspected.

3. The treated wood myth. Much of the public seems to believe the new wood they purchase is pressure treated before it’s used in their new house, but most of the structural timbers aren’t kiln-dried or treated, except new wood sold as blue or yellow wood. Treated wood came under strict regulations because the materials used were no longer allowed. The exceptions in a house are the outside sill plate (mud sill) on crawlspaces and sill plates on slabs on the ground floor, unless it’s going to have termite shields, then it’s not required. Wood in contact with the ground or below ground is recommended to be pressure treated but too often isn’t.

Most inquiries I’ve been receiving are coming from owners of homes less than 10 years old or owners of homes that have been remodeled or updated in the past five years. Problems are stemming from new hardwood floors, trim, door and window cases, substructure timbers and roof trusses. Imported or custom-made furniture and cabinetry also are contributing factors. Almost all new evidence appears in hardwoods, with oak high on the list for woodborers. Furniture also is high on the list, with mostly powderpost beetles.

Pest management professionals (PMPs) need to be careful when pulled into situations involving these insects because potential customers are already confused by conflicting information and are unhappy. PMPs shouldn’t be tempted to sell something that’s not needed because most of the infestations aren’t active at the time of inspection, or worse, the service simply might not work.

Too often, topical treatment, drilling or treatment with liquid or foam won’t control the immediate infestation. If activity is present, fumigation is the best solution if it’s feasible. Replacing the infested or damage wood generally is the best recommendation. If it’s a removable item, heat and/or fumigation is a solution, especially if PMPs are dealing with an active infestation of beetles, borers or drywood termites.

Hardy is a PMP contributor and can be reached at paul@jphardy.com.

Ground cover should both do the remediation job and improve the appearance of the crawlspace. Photo: Paul Hardy

As homeowners react to the need to save energy, tighter construction has become the norm in nearly all new structures — more insulation and better-sealed walls, windows and doors. The tighter the house gets, though, the more the crawlspace becomes a problem because it leads to moisture problems such as fungus, mold, mildew, insects, foul odors and structural damage.

Crawlspace remediation, when done properly, is often the best way to solve these problems.

Dehumidifiers to the rescue
First, look at what the requirements are to prevent excess moisture, which leads to higher-than-desired relative humidity. As a rule, moisture less than 20 percent inside the structural timbers in the crawlspace, and humidity less than 60 percent, won’t cause mold or fungus rot. The best setting needs to be 10 percent to 20 percent moisture, and 40 percent and 60 percent humidity year round.

Thanks to improved construction practices, some type of dehumidification is recommended in all areas. Some of the newer central air conditioning units offer built-in dehumidification, provided the unit is large enough to include the volume of the crawlspace.

Closed crawlspaces also can cause a problem when groundwater comes in the crawlspace or a leak accrues, allowing water to collect on top of the ground cover. With no way to dissipate the excess water, inactive fungal spores will germinate, and the problem begins anew. This is why it’s recommended to install a dehumidifier and a water alert system in every closed remediated crawlspace.

Ground cover options abound
Ground cover is more than just a piece of polyethylene. The objective isn’t just to cover, but to seal the space completely so rising humidity doesn’t enter the space.

As a rule, the thicker the ground cover, the better. Currently, the millage runs from 6 mil all the way to 24 mil, with 8 to 12 reinforced being the most common. Options include clear, white and color variations in-between and with or without under-the-cover liners.

Joints have to be sealed with at least 1 ft. of lap, although 2 ft. is recommended. Sealing can be done with adhesive spray or double-sided 4-in. tape. Piers also need to be covered and sealed similarly.

Prepare foundation walls
Regardless of type — brick, block, rock or poured concrete — the foundation wall needs to be sealed. Leave an inspection area of 4 in. at the top and bottom of the wall for termite and other inspections. Also ensure there are vents, but seal openings around utilities entries and foundation cracks. The smallest opening will allow hot outside air to enter the crawlspace, usually bringing water with it.

Also consider insulating the interior of outside foundation walls with foam insulation board. There are several products on the market today treated with borates for the control of insects. When installed correctly, none have been shown to increase subterranean termite populations.

Don’t forget to treat the wood
Wood treatment is a vital part of the crawlspace remediation program. Mold spores should not be left on the substructure. They’ll go dormant when moisture is reduced. But if the moisture returns to 20 percent or more, the spores will reactivate as they were before the remediation. After cleaning, the wood needs to be treated with a fungicide and water repellent to control any existing fungus and prevent it in the future.

Finally, a follow-up inspection is needed to verify the space is dry, and that humidity and moisture are at expected levels.

Crawlspace remediation saves energy and improves the quality of the whole structure. It’s a service your customers will appreciate in the long run.

Paul Hardy is a PMP contributor and can be reached at paul@jphardy.com.

Did you know that up to 60 percent of the air you breathe inside your home comes from the crawlspace and basement? I recall one client whose interior walls were so wet, water was seeping down them. Upon inspection, we found mold everywhere, even in the attic.

Moisture control is more than just about pest prevention; it’s about public health. Photo: Paul Hardy

Additional investigation of the outside foundation walls, living areas and attic indicated mold problems. We realized the problem originated in the crawlspace. Scary as the situation was, though, it was easily resolved with a moisture control program. Using the correct materials is key to keeping mold from occurring and/or recurring. Take the following steps to prevent mold from growing.

Crawlspaces/basements
1. Remove all debris, including wood products and stored articles.
2. Level the ground and install a sump pump as needed. Look for areas where water may accumulate or has drained previously.
3. Check to see if water is appearing through or under the foundation walls. If water is present, you may need to waterproof outside.
4. Treat all surfaces, including the subfloor and foundation walls, with an oxygen-based cleaner. This will clean the surface mold as well as the deeply embedded roots inside any porous materials. Scrubbing might be necessary. Rinse as needed and let dry.
5. The understructure should be treated with a borate.
6. Apply a 100 percent ground cover using 10-mil (or stronger) polyethylene, and seal all vents. Cover the foundation walls and piers, too. Seal all seams on the ground cover, piers, walls, around vents and foundation walls because they’re entry points.
7. Install an industrial dehumidifier of sufficient size for the space, with a sump pump to remove condensing water to the outside in a drain system designed to remove water from the foundation.

Attics
1. Because attics also can contribute to the moisture control in a structure, consider adequate ventilation, insulation and heat.
2. Follow steps 1, 3 and 4 for the aforementioned basements/crawlspaces as needed. For best results, add cellulose insulation as required for your area of the country, and install reflective insulation to the underside of the roof decking between the rafters.

Outside the home
1. Make soil grade changes as needed in low areas — a half-inch grade per foot away from the structure for at least 10 ft. out.
2. Install gutters with covers and downspouts to direct water away from outside walls.
3. In some cases, it might be necessary to install French drains (also known as weeping tile) to redirect water away from the perimeter walls. Consider waterproofing these walls.

Moisture control and mold remediation are important issues. Mold might be a nuisance to some, but deadly to others. Because termite professionals inspect the areas where moisture and mold originate, they have an opportunity to offer their customers a solution to these problems.

You can reach Paul Hardy, a PMP Hall of Famer (Class of 2005), at paul@jphardy.com.

An early detection/protection program can help your termite customers minimize property damage, and help your business receive recurring revenue.

Photo courtesy of, and copyrighted by, Gene White, pmimages@earthlink.net

Remember the termite swarms of the past? For many years, the industry depended on termite service for more than 50 percent, on average, of its annual revenue. But in the past 25 years, that number has decreased to less than 25 percent.

However, the number of termites hasn’t really changed. In fact, research shows colonies have actually grown larger over the years. Previously active termite tunnels and old damage, when discovered, can be reinfested with different termite colonies. This means that if you’ve already controlled termite activity at an account, the environment could provide new homes for foraging termites.

Termites are still doing what they do best, but we have to do a better job of locating them.
 

Too focused on the task at hand

I’ve helped troubleshoot termite accounts for many pest management companies. Often, the root of the problem stemmed from technicians being so intent on performing the service they were sent to do — taking care of the existing infestation — that they weren’t looking for the signs or conditions, such as wood-to-ground contact, wet areas, deep mulch, and even tunnels or damage from termites, which could lead to future termite problems.

Baiting research in the 1980s and 90s showed that — as long as the soil temperature is above about 45°F, but not too hot or wet — termites are in the soil foraging for food. However, termites only happen upon structures because of their foraging habits. They aren’t seeking them out.

For years, the industry experimented with placing wooden stakes around the outside foundation, within about 2 ft. of the foundation. At some point, termites would locate the stakes. In many cases, the colony would be discovered before the termites discovered the structure.

This process led to the development of many early-detection systems that help locate active infestations in structures, and the termites around structures that go undetected during a normal inspection of the structure. This allows technicians to get ahead of the infestation before termites are present and damage the structure.
 

The bottom line

Because subterranean termites aren’t swarming as frequently as they have in the past, we have to look for ways to make them swarm. By that, I mean look for ways to inspect better and more often.

To address the problem from the outset, sell a prevention service at a time when termites aren’t found, and involve the customer in the process of inspection more often. The owner is at the house every day, so install a termite monitoring system around the property with at least some monitors in plain view when the occupants leave and return, so they can see when the system has been triggered.

Install six or more devices around the house in areas where termites have been known to forage, such as on the south and north sides, mulched areas, moist (but not wet) areas, and just outside plants and roof drip lines. Explain how the devices work and ask the customer to periodically check whether any have been activated. Set up follow-up inspections.

You can reach Paul Hardy, a PMP Hall of Famer (Class of 2005), at paul@jphardy.com.

What is a common (but honest) mistake made, or misconception held, regarding cockroach control? Experts weigh in:

Paul Hardy

“The advantage and disadvantage with our pest control service is complacency. We’re perfectly capable of taking care of an initial pest problem, but it becomes problematic when there is no problem. Pest management is about 70 percent public relations, 10 percent showing up on time and 20 percent taking care of current and future problems. New technicians are not taught enough about dealing with customers. It’s natural to develop great relationships with customers, but this can create pest problems when the service becomes a visit from a friend, with not enough attention paid to seeking out sources and regular preventive maintenance.”

Kurt Scherzinger

“A commonly held misconception regarding cockroach control is that you’ll only find them in dirty kitchens and bathrooms, but they can be brought into any environment. I’ve seen them in bedrooms, offices and many other locations.”

Mark Sheperdigian

“When we see a few cockroaches persisting, we too often think, ‘We didn’t put out enough bait,’ when we should be thinking ‘We missed a spot.’ Inspect more, apply less.”

What’s the best ant management lesson you’ve learned? Experts chime in:

Paul Hardy

“In Houston, we had a mall-turned-assisted-living facility that was infested with Argentine ants (Linepithema humile). After several months of little success, we cleaned up all the inside sources of ant bait and treatments, and moved outside. After a complete inspection of all trails and entry, we set up a baiting program and achieved control.”

Frank Meek

“Ant control is 3D. Too many times, we walk around looking down or in front of us, and not up or out and around. The result is treating the wrong place or having to use more pesticide than needed.”

Mark Sheperdigian

“The ants have taught me that many hands make light work. They will work together to bring the bait back to the colony, if I use enough bait that they can find quickly.”

[Web Exclusive: Experts weigh in on ant management lessons learned]

Featured photo: iStock.com/jmalov

If you’re considering offering a “clean air” add-on service, consisting of air duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning and changing the customer’s high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, you may find this program breakdown helpful. It was part of a pilot program I helped create at Orkin Pest Control years ago, and outlines the basics of what goes into such an endeavor.

You may find that this can keep your termite techs busy during the off-season, in particular.

Hard costs

• Marketing materials, including a phone script to upsell customers on the service
• Dust mite/bacteria control liquid material (plus applicator)
• Duct sealant
• HEPA filters

Soft costs

• The initial service typically takes three to four hours in a 2,000-sq.-ft. home.
• The follow-up service typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes: Every six months, fog the system, clean the dryer vent, clean the HEPA filter and perform a video inspection of the system.

If you’re interested in getting such a service off the ground with your company, contact me by phone at 770-842-0609, by email at hardyboyz@msn.com or visit my website at ThePestControlExpert.com, and I can consult directly with your team. I will be happy to share what I know!