[Focus On Termite Control] WDO Inspection Product Guide

Home inspections. They’re a service that many pest control professionals provide for their customers (and potential customers). Many PCOs are finding they need more tools to get their inspections done in a timely and accurate fashion. And as housing structures — and pest problems — become more complex, the need for pest management professionals to be able to “see through walls” is increasing.

Below is a listing of some of the products available to PCOs who are involved in the area of WDO/WDI inspections. Manufacturers, if you have a product you’d like to have featured in an upcoming issue of PCT, e-mail a product description and photo to jdorsch@pctonline.com.

3D INSPECTION SYSTEMS INC.
www.3dinspection.com

WDO/WDI reporting is now easier than ever with the introduction of the WDO Quick Writer software, by 3D Inspection Systems. One program installs on your desktop computer and another goes on your favorite pocket PC hand-held computer. All state and federally recognized WDO forms are included, and you can print them as many times as you like. The desktop version has a form editor that allows inspectors to add their own “pick lists” of frequently used comments so that completing a report becomes a matter of a few clicks on the hand-held touch screen. Transfer the file to a desktop or laptop running Windows 98, ME, 2000 or XP and print or e-mail finished reports directly to clients. Complete with spell checker and document editor.

A-TEL
www.A-telescope.com

The flexible fiber optic inspection tool from A-tel is a product that no professional pest management company should be without. A-Tel finally gives inspectors an affordable high-tech tool that allows them to perform a more detailed and meaningful inspection without the invasive problems typically associated with hidden areas. All that is needed is an opening of ¼- to ½-inch in diameter. Insert the A-telescope, push the button to activate the halogen lamp and focus with the high-resolution lens. Use in walls, ceilings, floor voids, chimneys, foundations sills, burrows, and under inaccessible porches, sheds, and slab foundations. Once you have identified the target pest you can choose the correct method of treatment. Knowing what you are up against reduces callbacks.

INSPECTION DEPOT
www.inspectiondepot.com

Are you a pest management professional who is just getting started in the inspection business? Let Inspection Depot help. Inspection Depot is a new service and supply company created to empower home inspection professionals with tools for increasing revenues and improving inspectors’ quality of life. The Home Inspection Tool Starter Kit includes the following: heavy-duty tool bag, Maglite 3 flashlight, Maglite belt holder, Black & Decker cordless drill, Ecton VT160 volt stick voltage tester, two telescoping mirrors, portable desk and many other tools. Also included are the following books: Inspecting A House, Code Check Electrical, Code Check Plumbing, Code Check HVAC, Code Check, Red Flags Property Inspection Guide and Starting Your Own Business.

MARATHON DATA SYSTEMS
www.pestpac.net

The PestPac.net WDI/WDO form tracking software is the first totally Web-based WDI/WDO forms management solution in the industry. This provides unmatched flexibility in the way pest management professionals record, process and deliver WDI/WDO information for customer accounts. PestPac.net includes the NPMA WDI, the Florida WDO and the California WDO forms, along with most other individual state WDI/WDO forms. A unique aspect of the PestPac.net WDI/WDO software is the capability of making the form available online via a secure password-protected account that can be individually provided to the homeowner, seller, real estate agent and attorney as needed. With proper access, anyone involved in the transaction can log on via the Internet and view and/or print needed reports. The PestPac.net WDI/WDO software is available with Pocket PC handhelds to record and process the WDI/WDO in the field.

PROTEC USA
www.protecusa.net

Termatrac, from Protec USA, allows pest management professionals to locate and track termites, carpenter ants and other pests behind and within walls, even though there may be little or even no visible signs of infestation. Termatrac, an electronic instrument that detects the movement of most wood-destroying insects through solid objects, has been in development for more than 10 years. This patented device uses microwave technology to determine termite, carpenter ant and other insect activity hidden below or behind the surface of timber, plasterboard, ceramic, brick or masonry surfaces with no interference to the building material or termite or ant activity. Termatrac emits signals that penetrate through and behind the material being searched. Much like radar, if movement interrupts these signals, the liquid crystal display will alert the inspector to this activity. This information can assist the PCO in tracking the extent of the infestation and pest entry points to determine the best treatment.

PROTIMETER
www.protimeter.com

The GE Protimeter Mini Moisture Meter is small robust moisture meter enables PCOs to quickly and conveniently find moisture in building materials, which can help identify existing insect activity. This pocket-sized meter is battery powered and displays the reading via a 60 bright LED lights making operating in dark areas (such as crawlspaces) easy. The meter has a range of 6 to 90 percent moisture content and is standard with a remote probe and pouch. The Protimeter Mini has a one-year warranty and is available from GE Protimeter, a General Electric company.