Reader Feedback, November 1999

I read the article in the July issue of PCT titled "Preserving History" in which drywood termite control, or, as indicated in the article, elimination, can be achieved solely with the use of borates. Frankly, I’m skeptical.

I operate a small pest control company in Corpus Christi, Texas, where drywoods are a constant problem. I do a fair number of WDI reports and inspections for customers and have, all too often, been behind so-called borate and other spot treatments that have NOT resolved the problem. I have seen drywoods in adjoining wood, some 15 to 20 feet from the only visible area of infestation when the wood was removed. Is there a technique I’m not aware of? If so, I’d be very interested in learning more. How can borates be injected into inaccessible studs, roof joists, etc.?

U.S. BORAX’S RESPONSE

In quite a few states, but especially in Florida and California, many PCOs are becoming quite sophisticated in their application of liquid borate treatments to wood in controlling drywood termites and other wood destroying organisms. As to the success of these applications, many are experiencing callback rates of less than 5%.

Through the use of directional spray tips, power misters and foam machines, wood that was once considered inaccessible can now be treated. It must be noted that such applications require thorough inspections and treatment can be quite labor intensive. Although there may be a certain percentage of wood that may not get treated, it is highly likely that the drywood colony or colonies will come into contact with treated wood eventually, leading to control. Many PCOs are now witnessing the effectiveness of baits in controlling subterranean termites. Being thorough in a borate application and creating fairly extensive treated zones inside a home will increase this same type of control for drywoods and offer further long-term residual protection against these pests, as well as other wood destroying organisms.

It must be emphasized that all applications are only as good as the technician performing them. As stated in the article, borates were used because earlier fumigations were not solving the problem. It can be argued that these subsequent problems were do to reinfestations of new drywood colonies. Since it usually takes as many as four years for swarmers to appear from new colonies, this scenario is unlikely and it may be that the earlier fumigations only served to reduce the original infestation’s size and scope. The Pinellas County official in the article not only stated that the infestation had been eradicated by the borate treatment, but that he has not had any new problems in more than five years since.

In summary, borate treatments, like fumigations, are tools offered to solve certain problems. Ultimately, the decision to use one tool or another will depend on the particular infestation, the tools available and the technician’s comfort level in using those tools safely and effectively.

I respect Mr. Herndon’s "show-me attitude" and would ask if he or anyone else is interested in expanding his or her knowledge and capabilities on the use of borates for drywood termite treatments or other wood destroying organisms to contact me at 800/291-9860.

Robert E. Reid, National Sales Manager, U.S. Borax Inc., Roswell, Ga.

NISUS’ RESPONSE

Numerous pest control companies have gotten excellent results using borate products for prevention or control of drywood termites and wood destroying organisms in structures. The application of borate products for drywood termite control can be an alternative to fumigation or can be used in conjunction with fumigants to provide a residual for long-term preventive protection.

Borate products can be applied in several ways to control or prevent drywood termite infestations. They can be sprayed onto available bare wood surfaces in all areas of a structure. They can be injected into termite galleries in painted or sealed wood. Borates can be foamed into wall voids or other inaccessible areas that may have active infestations. Borates can also be applied as a dust into eaves, soffits and other inaccessible areas to prevent alates from establishing new infestations.

A professional pest control company should inspect the structure thoroughly and make a determination as to the extent of the infestation and then use the best control methods available to eliminate the problem. I agree with Mr. Herndon’s concern that a spot borate treatment may not eliminate an extensive drywood infestation. A thorough inspection combined with proper borate applications, treating all infested structural areas using the techniques I described, can have excellent results.

We welcome any inquiries concerning borate products or applications and are available to answer any questions at 800/264-0870.

Ron Schwalb, National Technical Manager, Nisus Corporation, Rockford, Tenn.

STATEMENT ABOUT WILDLIFE COMPANIES IS SELF SERVING

In Bob Noonan’s "Is There Profit In Animal Control?" article in the September issue of PCT, it states that "there are even two national franchises, WCT Wildlife Control Services and Critter Control, that offer wildlife control throughout the United States."

The last I heard was that WCT group has been offering franchises for two years, but has yet to sell a single unit. Does this make it a national franchise chain? Would you put Little John Doe Pest Control on the same plane as Orkin and Terminix just because they claim to offer services worldwide? Did you consider that Noonan has direct ties to WCT and Wildlife Control Services and that this statement is self-serving and a possible conflict of interest?

A little more research and restraint of self-serving interests is in order. Critter Control is synonymous with the highest quality of service and sets standards for the wildlife control industry. We are confused as to how you could compare Critter Control — the nation’s leading animal control firm (over 100 offices coast-to-coast) with an unknown entity that has no national presence — or even lend credence to such a notion.

KUDOS FOR NIMOCKS

Today I received the September issue of PCT. The story "David Vs. Goliath" is one of the best you have ever run. God bless David Nimocks and all that have
his courage and drive.

After Sentricon was introduced my inquiry to them was met with "only Sentricon-Authorized Companies" can use and purchase the Sentricon System. Following advertisements in the Yellow Pages and newspapers it became apparent to me that the only authorized companies were the large ones.

I felt then and now that Dow AgroSciences insulted the backbone of this industry and gave larger companies market advantage by not allowing smaller companies to compete with this new technology. Since the introduction and the response from Dow AgroSciences, I have not and will not use any of their products.

As for David Nimocks — he has pest control operator #501.

Readers are invited to write to 4012 Bridge Ave., Cleveland OH 44113 or fax letters to Jodi Dorsch at 216/961-0364. Letters may be edited for space or clarity.