THE PEST CONTROL PHILIPPINES INSPECTION PROCESS.

Building Exterior.
The exterior perimeter is where many vulnerable termite entry points, such as exterior siding, dirt-filled porches, expansion joints, and cracks and foundations are located. Examine the entire foundation wall closely for evidence of mud, shelter tubes. Pay particular attention to earth-to-wood contacts and where wood siding, stucco or veneer extend close to or below grade.

Much like ants, subterranean termites commonly follow cracks, edges, and other "guidelines" when they encounter building foundations. Consequently, the tubes maybe hidden in cracks, corners, and crevices such as at raised porches, inside corners, and around chimneys. Also inspect and probe windowsills, entrance and garage door at the base), crawlspace access doors, planter boxes, posts, pillars, bees, and fences adjoining the structure. Note on the inspection report any such as adjoining decks, dense grass or heavy vegetation, firewood, or debris, viewing of the entire foundation. Moisture problems, improper grading, excessive amounts of mulch, and other conducive conditions should also be noted on the report.

While inspecting outdoors, termites may be found in much, landscaping timbers and other areas of the property but not in the structure. The question often arises whether such findings must be reported, and at what distance from the structure a treatment necessary. While there is no industry "regulation" on such occurrences.

There is no minimum distance from the foundation that if termites were discovered, treatment would required by industry standards or practices. Nonetheless, inspectors may wish to document their findings in the comments section of their report as a service to the property ,caner or purchaser, and discuss preventative treatment options against future infestation.Substructure (crawlspace and Basement). The crawlspace is one of the most physically demanding areas to inspect, but affords one of the best opportunities to find evidence of termites. Begin by carefully examining the outer and inner frame of the crawlspace access door, a common place to find evidence of termites. The inspector should then systematically crawl the entire inside perimeter where accessible, and carefully inspect for mud tubes on foundation walls, sills, headers, joists, and subflooring. Pay particular attention to the box sit assembly (the area where the sill, header, floor joists and subfloor meet) above the foundation. Oftentimes, this area will be obscured by insulation that may need to be moved aside and inspected as well as conditions permit. Insulation obscuring the inspector's view should also be noted on the inspection report as an inaccessible area. Inspect closely for mud tubes along the crack between the sill and foundation wall, at junctures between joists, sills, headers, and subflooring, and along support beams. Areas of the foundation located behind stoops, planter boxes, patios, and earth-filled porches are especially prone to infestation.

While much of the pest crawlspace inspection effort is near the foundation, one should not neglect areas more toward the center. Support columns or piers, chimney bases, pipes, ductwork, and other vertical connections between the soil and the substructure should be inspected formed tunnels, along with the wood directly above. Drop tubes may be seen extending down from joists many feet from foundation walls. Lumber, form Ivards, stakes, stumps, cardboard, and other cellulose debris in the crawl area should be inspected, noted on the report, and removed where feasible. Lumber and other susceptible items that the customer does not want moved should be stacked on polyethylene sheeting, preferably above ground level. Any moisture problems or inaccessible areas should be noted on the pest control inspection report.

Basements are generally less strenuous to inspect, but can afford many hidden areas for tenintes, especially if the walls, floors, and ceilings are finished. In unfinished base-merits, key inspection areas include the base of the foundation wall, the box sill assembly on top of the wall, and any cracks in the foundation. If the basement has a suspended ceiling, the panels around the perimeter should be carefully lifted to allow inspection of the sill assembly. Wood at the base of stairs, support posts, partitions, and doors should also be inspected, as should floor drains and plumbing areas of bathrooms, hot water heaters, and washer/dryer areas. Settlement cracks in the floor should also be inspected and noted if not obscured by floor coverings. Inspect window frames and be observant for dead swarmers or discarded wings in windowsills, spider webs, and within floor vents/heat ducts. Opportunities for finding termites will be more limited if the basement is finished, e.g., if there is paneling, drywall, finished ceilings, or floor coverings present. In this case, the inspection will be much the same as described below for slab-on-ground construction.

Interior Pest Inspection (Slab-On-Ground).
The interior of slab-on-ground construction is the most difficult area to inspect because most of the termite entry points are hidden behind finished walls, flooring, and ceilings. Throughout the industry, more than half of all termite retreatments are associated with slab construction. One key inspection area is along baseboards of all perimeter walls. The inspector should look closely for mud in the crack behind or beneath the baseboard, and lightly tap or probe suspected areas. Oftentimes, termites will hollow out the wood trim leaving the thin painted surface intact. Besides the perimeter expansion joint where the slab and foundation meet inspectors should also be mindful of other possible expansion joints, such as occur when a room addition is added onto an outside wall. Oftentimes the only way of discovering these potential entry points is to interview the property owner. Inside expansion joints will also occur wherever there is a step-up or step-down separation in floor level.

Pest inspectors should watch for mud tubes higher on the wall surface as well, especially around windows and doorways, walls that contain plumbing, and at the ceiling line. Shining a flashlight at an angle across painted, papered or paneled wall coverings will help reveal rippled or sunken areas where termites have tunneled underneath. Examine all cracks around window and doorframes, built-in bookcases, fireplaces, and plumbing areas associated with bathrooms (including bath traps), kitchens, air conditioners. and drain lines. Drop tubes hanging from ceilings may also be observed, or tiny holes bored by the termites through plaster or drywall, accompanied by bits of soil.

Subterranean termites commonly infest garages, usually around the perimeter expansion joint or where the garage slab and building foundation meet. Pest inspections in these areas are often impeded by shelving, yard equipment, and other items stored against walls. Whenever possible, these items should be moved in order to provide visual access to inspect.