Special Tools Used for Effective Termite Inspection
Termites are destructive pests that cost property owners millions of dollars in damages. It is why regular termite inspections are necessary, especially for properties in termite-prone locations. Notably, termite inspections must be thorough because a shoddy job that misses some termite hideouts does not fully address an infestation. It might explain why pest control services need special equipment for thorough termite inspections, especially hidden infestations. This article highlights specialised tools that pest control services use in termite inspections.
Moisture Metre — Moist wood is like a delicacy for termites because it is easy to chew on. Therefore, it makes sense that the first areas pest control services look at during an inspection are moist surfaces. However, pest control services cannot identify moisture behind walls or under wooden floors and ceilings by eyeballing. Instead, they need a moisture metre to detect wetness behind wooden surfaces. High readings on a moisture metre indicate the presence of damp surfaces and a potential termite infestation. In such cases, a technician creates a tiny hole on a suspected surface and waits for a soldier or a worker termite to come out. Even if there are no termites on moist surfaces, pest control services will recommend that you address the underlying issue to avoid a potential termite infestation.
Optical Borescopes — Pest control services also use optical borescopes during routine termite inspections. Notably, pest control technicians must first find access behind walls, below floors or above ceilings to use a borescope. They push the tool's fibre-optic probe through a hole or a gap and rely on the bright light travelling through the hollow tube to inspect walls, floors and ceiling cavities. Since the probe on a borescope has a small diameter, it minimises potential damage to a building during an inspection exercise. Thus, pest control technicians drill a small hole for the probe to go through rather than tear down a portion of a wall to look for termites.
Stethoscopes — Yes, termite inspection technicians also use stethoscopes in their daily operations. Notably, a stethoscope is necessary during termite inspections for two reasons. First, the vibrations termites produce as they move or feed inside wood are difficult to hear. Therefore, a stethoscope helps termite inspection crews to listen for such vibrations regardless of the surrounding noises. Second, a stethoscope helps detect cavities or voids inside structural wood created by burrowing termites. Wood voids are often a clear sign of a termite infestation. Therefore, next time you see a pest control technician with a stethoscope around their neck, know it is an integral part of their work.
For more information on termite inspection, contact a professional near you.