[Back Talk]

Crawlspace Encapsulation:
The Way to Go

We just finished reading the January PCT article by Paul Hardy on crawlspace encapsulation (“What’s Going on in the Crawlspace?” page 98). We are happy to work for a company that is always looking for better ways to serve its customers. Greenleaf was a “green” pest management company when “green” wasn’t cool. Stan Lake, the owner of Greenleaf, works at perfecting the IPM methods of pest control and encourages his employees to “think outside the box.”

About six years ago, we started looking closer at our termite department and figured out that there weren’t many houses we inspected that did not have a finding along the lines of “inaccessible for inspection due to” debris, lack of clearance, fallen insulation or excessive moisture conditions (to name a few). It was as if we had become so used to the idea that crawlspaces were inherently dirty and nothing should ever be done about it. Yet, we always have known that those conditions lead to bigger issues.

 We started to forge ahead with a new idea — that a clean crawlspace is next to Godliness.

Little did we know what we were in for, but, with the encouragement of our employer we set off into the unknown. The rules were simple: Deliver what you promise and if you make a mistake, learn from it and never do it again. The results have been amazing. Our customers are not only impressed with the results of our crawlspace encapsulations but they have been our No. 1 source for new accounts.

For us, the once dreaded crawlspace termite inspections are done in half the time and because our moisture barrier has a white finish, termite droppings stand out like a sore thumb, rodent intrusions into the crawlspace are detected at a glance, inadequate ventilation is just about a nonexistent issue, ant infestations are rare occurrences, foul odors from the crawlspace are almost nil and there are no more undetected water leaks and muddy crawlspaces to crawl around in.

The challenge posed to us when confronted with a dirty crawlspace allows us to offer our customers excellent results by implementing the use of all the tools in our box — and the best part is that we can offer them all at once: rodent exclusion, general pest control and termite control.
Most importantly and of most significance to us as pest control professionals is the fact that we can finally crawl under a house knowing that our inspection will be more thorough and we will be less exposed to the dust and contaminants we have had to crawl around in for years (can anyone say “dead animals and droppings”?).

Let us not forget that with a proper crawlspace encapsulation we are doing far more for our environment than ever before by not having to replace so much rotted lumber, hopefully perform fewer pesticide treatments and have happier, long-lasting and satisfied customers.

The “green” bandwagon filled up and now it’s the “right thing to do.” It has always been the right thing to do for us and always has been what we are about — and so is crawlspace encapsulation. Our hats are off to Paul Hardy and PCT for recognizing what will be the next bandwagon to jump on in our industry. PCOs can check out some before and after photos at our company Web site (www.greenleafpest.com) and the link to CleanSpace.

Mark A. Puglisi and Gus Olivarez
Greenleaf Organic Pest Management
North Hollywood, Calif.

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Home Inspectors: Foe

I wanted to give you my perspective on PCT’s article on home inspectors in the February issue of PCT magazine (“Home Inspectors: Friend or Foe?” page 30). In California, home inspectors cannot identify wood-destroying pests or organisms (dry rot) per the structural pest control board rules and regulations. Thank goodness! We constantly get calls from real estate agents and buyers stating that the home inspector found dry rot, termites, plumbing leaks, etc., which requires a return visit to the property to typically find weathered wood, no termites or a condition that the termite inspector does not check for (loose roof tiles, missing flashing, etc.).

Additionally, home inspectors are NOT licensed by the state of California, which only invites fraud and deceptive practices. The Business and Professions Code only prevents home inspectors from doing their own repairs from an inspection report. Anyone can be a home inspector; there are NO qualifications whatsoever. And try filing a complaint with the state. The only remedies are court actions, which few parties to the transaction wish to pursue after the close of escrow. I have plenty of war stories about this topic, as I’m sure many other PCOs do.

Randy Zopf
Sales Manager/Termite Department
Roseville Termite and Pest Control
Roseville, Calif.

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More On Inspections

I have been pursuing the change in the verbiage of the HUD directive regarding WDI/WDO inspections. After reading the “Inspection Fall Out” article in the March issue of PCT, I am very encouraged. I, too, saw a 65 percent drop in my business revenue after this directive was rewritten. Our firm averaged approximately 120 inspections per month prior to the change and now only average 12 to 15 in a good month. I still find numerous properties infested with carpenter ants, which are prevalent in our area, as well as powderpost beetles and an occasional termite infestation. I believe this very valuable service needs to be done to protect the home buyer and all parties involved.

I’ve been on a mission to let mortgage representatives and real estate agents know these inspections should still be done. I’ve told them they have misinterpreted the wording in the directive. Additionally, HUD should consider inspections to be done on all foreclosed homes sitting vacant for long periods of time. They are susceptible to infestation.

Darrell J. Seelinger
Owner
Oakland Pest Control
Macomb, Mich.

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Remembering Gary Schlosberg

Our friend Gary Schlosberg passed on leaving us to wonder why and to reflect on his life. Although Gary’s physical presence will no longer be, the spirit of the man can still be found in life itself.

I will remember Gary for his gregarious and kind nature. I will emulate him in tough times by remembering his drive, determination and courage during his heroic battle with cancer. I will remember Gary every time I watch Ohio State play Penn State after our many years of friendly wagering and bantering on the outcome of the game. I will especially be reminded of Gary as the OSU marching band takes the field on a crisp autumn day and the tuba player dramatically dots the “I” in the “OHIO” formation, thus signifying Gary’s nod that he is with us.

A “Buckeye” has gone on to heaven and now there is a mighty shade tree that provides comfort for us all.

Chris Donaghy
President
Residex
Cranford, N.J.