[Problems & Solutions] Answers to you rtough pest questions

Bees, wasps and flies

I have been seeing a lot of activity with overwintering wasps and flies. In addition, we seem to be getting a lot of "bee" calls, which are actually honeybees swarming. What can we do to advise homeowners who are facing this situation?

I also have had several calls this year about overwintering insects. This situation, for some reason, is difficult to explain to people who think there is some sort of nest in their house.

In the case of the wasps, depending on the species, there may well be an old nest situation; however, if the structure is old, then the problems are exacerbated by the design of the structure. We certainly know that wasps (Polistes mostly) and cluster flies overwinter regularly in structures. The risk of the structure to have nests in attics (or to have access for the insects) increases with the age and design of the structure. This is something we don’t take into account in our inspections.

However, the resolutions to these problems are to explain the nature of the insects and the reason they are in the structure. Control is another problem. Resolving the ability of these insects to enter a structure could be difficult. We cannot expect to find all of the possible entrances to the building and seal them. We then rely on some sort of treatment. Throughout the years, pest management professionals have tried many things, and most rely on a spray application of residual pyrethroids and dusting crack and openings to stop cluster flies and wasps from entering. (Most likely these treatments were designed to ward off cluster flies but they have also worked for wasps.)

Of course, something else to consider is stopping the wasps from nesting. This means an inspection around the structure and in the attic during "wasp season," and spraying deterrents along eaves and roof lines (like encapsulated or wettable powder insecticides). Another product that has worked is CobWeb Eliminator. Also, you should try to remove the nest if it is accessible. Remember, we have had some new Polistes species introduced into the United States and some nest in odd places. I had an experience in Virginia where these pests nested under a chimney cap and found their way through a "closed" damper.

For these overwintering species, I believe you should be performing a quick inspection during your monthly/quarterly services. This also creates a resource of homeowners to target for seasonal treatments or annual contracts.

As for the honeybees, not many pest management professionals deal with these pests. Swarms are usually transitory and will move on in hours or a few days. There are people who will deal with these swarms and may want to capture them for personal use. However, many wild hives have some disease issues that honeybee enthusiasts do not want.

Final word on bed bugs?

There is a lot of information and seminars being presented on bed bugs. What is your take on these pests? I have not had any calls but have heard of some pest management professionals in my area treating for them.

My take on this is that bed bugs are real problems in some areas of the country and in some venues. For instance, the hotel industry recently recognized it has a problem and alerted others to that fact. We can treat for these pests. It takes a thorough inspection and a thorough treatment program with possible follow-ups, which can be expensive and time consuming.

Many pest management professionals I have talked to do not want to deal with this problem. Maybe they see it as a short-term problem, not an ongoing pest situation like rodents, ants and some other pests. Others have seized the opportunity and will actively market to the hospitality industry. I do feel it will be some time before this issue abates.

Limiting inspections

I have questions about limiting my liability regarding WDI inspections. I attended meetings where we were told that the NPMA-33 form is a visual inspection only report. What does that mean and will this limit our liability if we use this form?

Good question. Since the NPMA-33 form is relatively new on the market, the answer to the second part of your question will have to wait until we have a case where someone uses the form and claims no liability. I have heard the same thing from many pest management professionals. I wonder if that was the intent of NPMA-33 or the committee (to limit in some way our ability to find termites to only "looking" for them — no probing, no investigative work). I also would suggest you read the instructions to the NPMA-33 form very carefully — this is not necessarily supported.

For years, and still today, if you look at all the resources in the pest management industry, i.e., the Scientific Guide, the Mallis Handbook, manuals written by entomologists like Harry Moore from North Carolina State University and NPMA’s library, the descriptions of WDI inspections say to investigate vulnerable areas of the property and probe and sound certain areas that are traditionally attacked or possibly conducive to termites. Unless all those documents are changed, we have a conflict if the intent is to allow (or I should say "permit") an inspector just to "look around" and leave the structure.

In one conversation I had with an NPMA member, he said that for the NPMA-33 inspection it is visual only, but if a home-owner calls for an inspection because they think they have termites, he does sounding and probing and moves some insulation. In other words, in my mind, he has a double standard for his inspections.

Since I have spent some time reviewing many court cases and being deposed and testifying in cases, I can say this — that piece of paper is no substitute for a good inspection. But I guess "good" is in the mind of the reader (or inspector) in this case. If you feel you can defend a visual-only inspection, then go ahead and try it, and hopefully you won’t be challenged in court.

I also have heard the NPMA-33 form referred to as a HUD form. This is not a government form. It is an industry form that government agencies accept. As I see it, they have no liability because they are relying on you to give fair and accurate information on the condition of the home or structure being financed.

Considering the cost of homes in some areas of the country, I am amazed that we charge so little for such inspections. Some attorneys would say, "You get what you pay for."

If you want to limit liability, in my opinion, do the following: Document what you see, take pictures to back yourself up, sound and probe when you see evidence, investigate structures carefully and assess the risk each structure has to attack, from termites especially, and have this all documented in a protocol used for training and for backup if subpoenaed.

I would also point out that in many states, because of their concerns about "visual inspections," officials have written regulations regarding these inspections that include a specific form. These states are also not running to the table to sign off on the NPMA-33 form. Wonder why?

The author is president of George Rambo Consulting Services, Central, S.C. Fax questions to him at 864/654-2447 or via e-mail at grambo@giemedia.com.