Confusion about pest inspection begins with the fact that members of two separate professional trades might conduct it depending on the circumstances. These different groups are pest control operators and building inspection Adelaide. The pest control operator (PCO) is really in business to apply extermination treatments, but he will do a pest inspection if requested (if the existence or extent of an infestation problem is not known). Usually free of charge, as a way to drum up business.
The home inspector’s job, however, is to determine the condition of a house. Almost always as part of a real estate transaction, and because wood-destroying organisms can significantly affect structural condition. It is convenient for him also to have the expertise to inspect for pests.
License to Inspect
Not surprisingly, pest inspection expertise has historically been woefully lacking in general. Home inspectors did not have adequate (or any) training in entomology, and regulations. Were not strong enough to prevent pest control operators from allowing real estate agents to influence the severity (or lack thereof) of their reporting. Today, legislation and diligent enforcement have mostly turned things around. The upshot for home inspectors is that they now must obtain a separate. Additional license to a structural pest inspector (SPI) that is administer by a different government agency from that issuing home inspection licenses.
How Do the Termite Inspectors Get Licensed?
Let’s look at what is involved in obtaining a structural pest inspection license.
First, one has to learn enough biology to identify insect species that do damage to homes. Both from visual inspection of the pest itself (which is rare). and from evidence left behind in terms of excavated wood remains. Constructed habitats, and damage patterns. Some pests are wood eaters, some are wood chewers, some are borers, and some are fungi. One has to know which species re-infest even sound wood after elimination and which will not. When and how species migrate, and when external parent colonies are an issue.
Second, the pest inspector must prove possession of adequate liability coverage. either in the form of Errors-and-Omissions insurance or as a surety bond. The home inspector can, through language in his contract. Limit his liability to the inspection fee, but the pest inspector does not have that right. A third licensing requirement is maintaining one’s skills and proving this through continuing education classes or re-examinations.
What Does The Pest/Termite Inspector Look For?
The structural pest inspector looks for three things: damage to wood from biological organisms, infestations, termites, and conditions conducive to infestation. It is his responsibility to find these things if they are present because he is liable to a lawsuit otherwise. But he can’t afford to go over everything tooth-and-nail; it would be too time-consuming. Hence, he focuses first on places insects tend to prefer to infest, such as house corners and just inside access hatches in the attic and crawl space. Then he can expand his investigation if necessary.
Why Is the Inspection Important
Combining the service of home inspecting and pest inspecting becomes a juggling act. The pest license increases demands, not only for the reasons mentioned above but also in terms of expanded checklists and lengthened inspections. On the other hand, the combined knowledge from both fields creates a synergy at times. Giving one more insight and perspective in understanding the big picture of the dynamics of a given house.
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