[Technically Speaking] Find them first, Part I

We contend with a number of pests such as German cockroaches, bed bugs, some stored product pests, etc., that are well adapted to exclusively living indoors. However, most residential customers contact us because perimeter pests, such as ants, spiders, other cockroach species and lady bugs, have invaded their living space and are making their life hell. In fact, most of the pests we deal with in structural pest management originate outdoors.

It still amazes me how many pest management technicians look for the solution to these outdoor invading pest problems indoors. Many times it is because this is where the customer sees them so this must be where the problem needs to be addressed. The rationale is if you get rid of them inside the problem is solved, i.e., out of sight out of mind. This simply is not the case. This strategy only harvests the foragers and there are plenty more where they came from and this typically becomes readily apparent to the customer in a few days when THEY’RE BACK.

I’m going to use an old cliche in a different manner; technicians need to "think outside the box," i.e., outside the building. They need to inspect and investigate until they find the source of the problem. Although technicians will not always be successful, 90 percent of the time they will and their work will result in a pest management solution — not a quick fix.

STUDYING THE ACCOUNT. Investigating the perimeter does not mean looking at the structure in a one-dimensional plane and it does not mean just walking around the perimeter looking at the foundation. We need to look up, around, inside and under anything around the perimeter of the structure. For example we should look:

• Up — Look at the roof line of the structure and the soffit areas — are there gaps, are the soffit vents screened, and are there other areas from which pests could be getting in? Look in the gutters — are they full of debris, are they blocked and holding water, do they drain properly, do they leak, and do they drip water next to the foundation? Look at plants and trees close to the foundation — do they touch the structure, do they hang over the roof, are they diseased and decaying, and do they have insect infestations that attract other insects to the perimeter? Look on the roof (yes, on the roof) — is there built-up debris, are there gaps or openings that allow pests to enter, does the roof drain properly, is there standing water, and are the chimneys screened? Look for security lights and other outdoor lighting that could attract insects — are yellow bug lights used, are lights mounted away from the structure and directed back toward, do high-intensity lights use sodium vapor bulbs?

• Around — Look around the foundation, the rest of the property and (to the maximum extent permissible) next door. Are there ground covers, such as ivy, pachysandra, lariope, etc., that provide harborage for insects and rodents? Are ivy or vines growing up the side of the structure? Are ornamental plants infested with insects that would attract and provide a food source for other insects? Are there pavers, flagstones, landscape timbers, railroad ties, sand boxes and other objects on the ground that conserve moisture and provide harborage?

Are there pipes, wires and other utility lines running up the sides of the buildings? Are there holes in the wall, are there cracks in the foundation, are there gaps under and around doors, is the sealant around window and door frames failing? Are expansion joints open or filled with organic debris? Are insects trailing along the foundation, up the walls, along wires, up the deck support posts and along the deck?
Is there a leaking water faucet, condensate line, leaking downspout, poor grading around the foundation, and any other water source that allows moisture to collect next to the foundation? Are there potted plants, bird feeders, and pet dishes that provide food and attract pests? Are there old stumps and dead trees on the property? Is there a woodpile and is it against or close to the house? Is there mulch, if so is it more than an inch deep? Is there an irrigation system? Is there a creek, drainage ditch, pond or other body of water on or near the property? Where are the trash cans and are they pest-proof?

• Inside — Look inside everything you find on the property. Is there anything in the water meter box, accessible electrical junction boxes (do this carefully), and other service panels? Are infestible materials being stored in outdoor storage sheds? Are there tires, cans, pots, and other containers that collect organic debris and water? Are there play houses and outdoor play equipment?

• Under — Look under anything that can be picked up and moved without injuring yourself or damaging property. Are insects and other animals nesting under splash blocks, landscape timbers, flagstones or other items lying directly on the ground? Is there trash and debris stacked in the yard? Is firewood stacked directly on the ground? Is there leaf litter and other debris next to the foundation?

FINAL THOUGHTS. These are but a few of the questions that should go through a technician’s mind when investigating virtually all pest management situations. These questions don’t need to be written down — this should simply be a mental evaluation of each property as it is inspected. The findings should be reflected on the service ticket with recommendations of what the customer should do to resolve the problem or a proposal to take corrective action.

By the time you’ve done all this investigation, you should have a pretty good idea where the pests are traveling, where they are coming from and where they are getting in. Now it’s time to deal with them (see Part II next month).

The author is president of Innovative Pest Management, Brookeville, Md. He can be reached at 301/ 570-3900 or via e-mail at rkramer@giemedia.com.