Termite Pest Control
Termite pest control covers inspection, identification, and control of termites in structures, especially subterranean termites. The exam tests biology, treatment standards, soil termiticide application, baiting, warranties, and recordkeeping.
Core rules
- Know termite biology: subterranean termites need soil contact and moisture; swarmers, mud tubes, and damage help diagnosis.
- A complete inspection includes interior, exterior, crawlspace, foundation, and conducive conditions; do not confuse termites with ants.
- Soil treatments require label-specified volume per linear foot or square foot, proper trenching, rodding, and coverage of the foundation perimeter.
- Do not disturb treated soil or leave gaps at piers, plumbing, and addition joints; barriers must be continuous.
- Baits and liquid treatments have different monitoring and warranty requirements; follow label and company protocol.
- Record treatment, product, dilution, volume, locations, and any untreated areas.
Worked example
A foundation has 120 linear ft requiring treatment. The label calls for 4 gal finished solution per 10 linear ft. Gallons are 120 divided by 10 times 4 = 48 gal. If the tank is 50 gal, do not try to treat all 120 ft from one tank without refilling or splitting the job. Reasoning: linear-foot dosing controls volume, and splitting prevents running short while keeping dilution correct. Verify the label per-foot rate for soil type and method.
Traps
- Treating only visible mud tubes and missing the soil barrier.
- Using less volume than the label requires and leaving untreated soil.
- Disturbing horizontal barriers during landscaping or construction.
- Promising control without documenting conditions and untreated areas.