In this issue, we’re launching a new segment for Professional Pest Manager magazine: Pest Pulse. Via email, we ask readers one question to get industry feedback on a question or topic, the results of which we publish in the following edition of the magazine. Look out for the Pest Pulse email in your inbox!
With our first Pest Pulse survey, we thought we’d get a feel for the equipment pest managers are currently using as part of their termite inspections. Not surprisingly, moisture meters, tapper/sounding devices, a torch and penknife/screwdriver were all used by over 90% of respondents. However, on reflection it was a little surprising that 100% of respondents were not using all of these core termite inspection tools. It is possible that some inspectors may be using a Termatrac device instead of a specific moisture meter, but what would inspectors be using instead of a torch?
It was interesting to see between a third and half of respondents using the older borescope and stethoscope, much the same as the numbers using the new Termatrac and thermal imaging technologies. Only three respondents (out of 222) are using termite detection dogs.
It was great to see a number of respondents took time to make additional comments, with several pointing out that ladders and safety gear were also key pieces of equipment. A few also highlighted the most valuable tools for successful termite inspections – eyes, knowledge and experience!
