Problems & Solutions

Annual Inspection for Baits?
Q: I hear a lot about termite baiting and annual inspections. I know we perform an annual inspection when we provide liquid treatments, but does the label require us to do annual inspections when we are baiting?

A: First, termiticide labels do not require you to do annual inspections. The annual inspection is a by-product of the termite service and is a requirement of the regulatory agency (in some states).

Part of the problem in a baiting program is that many PCOs have taken the stance that they do not have to do an annual inspection (or ever go back into the structure again). Part of this may be because PCOs think that since they are at the account at a regular service interval (monthly, quarterly, etc.) then why do they have to re-inspect again on the anniversary of the install or treatment?

There are a couple of reasons I feel you should be doing this. First is when you have the situation where the termites have not entered any monitors. If there have been termites present in the structure, prompting the initial treatment, then you should be keeping tabs on what is going on inside or around the structure. Another side of this is that you may also want to inspect inside when termites have hit the monitors and start to feed on bait. If the damage or activity inside the structure is visible you may want to visually determine if activity has stopped or if the termites are showing signs that the bait is influencing the colony.

Another reason you have a state requirement for these inspections is that this may be a requirement for termite treatment of any kind. Yes, regulations were primarily written for liquids but most regulations just state “treatment.” A bait system is considered a treatment.

Next, I am not convinced that the termite bait technician is actually doing an inspection of the structure on his or her visits. There has been more than one instance where I have seen that indications they are merely servicing stations.
My last comment is this: If we include in our treatments and warranties an annual inspection, why do we want to reduce the service we offer? This is another chance to provide the customer with a warm fuzzy feeling that we care about their structure. We are in a service industry and not just bug killers.

The author is president of George Rambo Consulting Services, Herndon, Va. Fax questions to him at 703/709-9637.