[TECHNICALLY SPEAKING] Raising The Bar For WDI/O Inspections

Few state regulatory agencies have the authority to regulate WDI/O inspections. The reason for this is that most state laws and regulations governing our industry regulate pesticide use, which does not apply to WDI/O inspections.

One of the biggest shortcomings of most state regulations is that they do not require training and certification of WDI/O inspectors. Some states require pest management companies to have category certification in termite control to perform these inspections. Unfortunately, most training materials spend little time discussing inspections, preferring to focus on termiticide application.

This "loophole" in some state regulations permits home inspectors and other non-pest management personnel to perform WDI/O inspections. Depending on the state, these individuals may escape regulation, licensure and insurance required of pest management companies.

One perplexing aspect of this issue is that state regulatory agencies spend more time investigating WDI/O inspection complaints than any other problems associated with the pest management industry. So why not do more about it?

Pest management professionals frequently bemoan the fact that there are pest control companies that will do inspections for $20.03 (based on the year) or some other whimsical price. Others complain that real estate agents buy reports and expect everything to be "cleared." There is probably some truth in all of this.

A few associations have stepped up to the plate and decided to raise the bar by starting WDI/O credentialing programs. I am very familiar with three: Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland.

THE PROGRAMS. The first and still one of the most comprehensive programs was started by the Pennsylvania Pest Control Association in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Extension Service (Stan Green, Ph.D.). This course has a very comprehensive training manual, five-day classroom instruction, examination and continuing education requirements.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) gave the state’s pest management professionals two options: develop a training program for WDI/O inspectors or regulations would be forthcoming. The association, in collaboration with an industry consultant (George Rambo, Ph.D.), opted to develop a voluntary program. The association now has its own training manual, two-day classroom instruction, examination and continuing education requirements.

The Maryland State Pest Control Association has taken a different approach by developing a voluntary program. The association recognized that most complaints filed with the Maryland Department of Agriculture result from WDI inspections and that there was a lack of training in this area of our businesses.

The course is designed as a two-day classroom course with a manual written by George Rambo. An exam will be administered at the end of the course and credentialing will be offered by the association. The program, like most of its predecessors, will provide training in:

• Identification, biology and habits of wood-infesting insects;

• Identification, biology and habits of wood-infesting organisms other than insects (reporting of wood decay fungi is not required in Maryland);

• The proper completion of report forms MD-1 (Maryland) and NPCA-1; and,

• Recognition of conducive conditions.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Provide standardized training in WDI/O inspections and reporting;

• Reduce the number of complaints received by the Department of Agriculture and thus, the chance of litigation;

• Provide a mechanism for recognizing the professionalism of technicians who successfully complete the course;

• Provide a mechanism whereby real estate agents and lending institutions can identify pest management professionals who possess expertise in these inspections; and,

• Enhance the image of the pest management industry through professionalism.

CONCLUSION. In the absence of a national initiative, raising the bar regarding WDI/O inspections is something every state should consider. States are beginning to take the lead in several areas, e.g., WDI/O and IPM in schools. It is always better to be proactive (voluntary) than reactive (regulated).

The author is technical director of American Pest Management, Takoma Park, Md. He can be reached at 301/891-2600 or rkramer@pctonline.com.