Technically Speaking: PMP Or Prostitute Part 1

P>During my short tenure as a consultant, most of my work dealt with litigation involving WDI reports and treatment for wood destroying organisms. There are elements — prostitutes — in our industry who bring all of us down.

They do it by damaging our credibility and image. They do it by performing inspections, not for buyers and sellers, but for real estate agents because they fear losing real estate business if a clearance letter (this terminology remains well-ingrained in the pest management and real estate industries) is not provided. They do it by performing substandard termite pretreatments, fearing that if they do a label treatment and have to charge for it, they will lose the contractor’s business.

These companies prostitute themselves to the lowest bidder and probably would sell their souls to the devil in order to make a few dollars. The good news is that there are few of these companies; the bad news is that they hurt the many respectable companies within our industry and the pest management professionals (PMPs) who work for them.

As PMPs, our best defense against these prostitutes is to ensure that we conduct ourselves as professionals. Part I of this article will focus on WDIs and our role. While there are several state forms, this article focuses on the use of the form NPCA-1 that is the most widely used report in the industry. It is a fairly simple and straightforward form, yet mistakes and/or oversights frequently are made.

It is important to remember that we are professionals who are being paid to render a clear and concise professional opinion about wood destroying insects (not always an easy task). While it is easy to make textbook recommendations when dealing with biological organisms we often must render opinions based on our experience, i.e., information not gained from textbooks. The following comments are intended to increase your awareness of and ability to avoid potential pitfalls in completing WDI reports.

Evidence of WDI Infestation. Generally, this is cut and dried, i.e., either there is no evidence of wood destroying insect infestation or there is. Most common wood destroying insects are easily recognized; however, the extremely small wood destroying beetles (e.g., lyctids, anobiids and bostrichids) are difficult to identify with the naked eye and it isn’t much easier with a hand lens. There is no reason to attempt to make an on-the-spot identification; rather, speci-men(s) should be returned to the office so that identification using a microscope can be made. If identification remains questionable, assistance from other resources, e.g., entomologist, extension agent, university entomology department or a consultant, should be sought.

If an insect cannot be found, the next most reliable means of identification is damage, frass and other evidence of activity. In some cases this is simple, e.g., drywood termite pellets, subterranean termite mud tubes and carpenter ant frass. Occasionally, identification must rely on several clues, e.g., damage, size of exit holes and frass and only through the analysis of these factors the insect causing the damage can be determined. Don’t be reluctant to seek assistance.

When damage from wood infesting insects is found, this should be described on the report and depicted on a graph. It is essential that the damage for each pest and the extent of visible damage be described and all of this information is indicated on a graph.

Insect Activity. This is probably the most difficult call to make, especially if live insects were not found. A mistake in calling this incorrectly could cost the buyer and/or seller a significant amount of money for treatment and/or repairs. Furthermore, if the buyer later disputes your findings, it could cost you thousands in litigation even if you win.

The key to this element of the inspection is to do a thorough inspection, i.e., if there are any suspicious findings during the inspection, try to inspect those areas that might normally be considered inaccessible. If a crawlspace is obstructed or locked, demand access. If there are drop ceiling panels, seek permission to lift them. Access to the attic may be beneficial. Don’t let the declaration of inaccessibility lead to an inaccurate determination.

Factors that should concern you about infestation possibilities include:

• Termites close to the structure in mulch, landscaping timbers, detached building or fence posts should prompt you to look even more closely at the structure. NPMA recently clarified the issue of what is considered active infestation — termites in or on the structure. This debunks the "three-foot rule" occasionally quoted by companies.

• Water next to the foundation or leaks in the structure should also spur your interest. Water is attractive to termites, essential to their survival and always exists where termites are found. You should look for plumbing leaks, condensation drainage next to the foundation, poor grading and drainage, roof and gutter leaks, soil-wood contact, etc.

• Consideration should be given to the type of building foundation: rubble, block and brick are like sponges that soak up water and provide hidden access for termites; foam-constructed or lined foundations are soft and malleable and provide termites everything they need (except food); and poured concrete is the most reassuring as long as there are no cracks.

• One item frequently overlooked is evidence of previous treatment. One of the first questions you should ask the homeowner or real estate agent is, "Do you have any knowledge of previous infestation or treatment?" Then you should look for yourself. The most obvious sign is drill marks in exterior porches, driveways, garage floors, mortar in brick veneers, block voids (interior and exterior), basement floors, etc. Look for plugs in flooring tiles, wood flooring and other finishes, particularly those over slab on grade or basement floors. Holes might be inconspicuous behind accessible wall panels and plumbing access panels.

• You should look for evidence of recent structural repairs as evidenced by new wood, fresh paint or new wallpaper. You always have the option to indicate that "activity can not be determined at this time." Other than during the dead of winter, I strongly feel that this should be used only when wood destroying beetle infestations are suspected and the best solution may be an expensive fumigation.

Inaccessible Areas. This area of the report is frequently overused. It is not designed to be used as a crutch for hasty inspections. It is designed to protect us from the inability to see through walls and floors where there might be hidden damage or evidence. WDI reporting is the most litigious area of pest management. Be careful out there!

Author’s note: I am aware of two states, Pennsylvania and Virginia, which have excellent WDI inspector training and credentialing programs. Perhaps it is time to have a national program. How about it NPMA?

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