IPM Practices > Termites (Reticulitermes flavipes and R. virginicus)

The use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to solve termite problems can result in long-term success and the reduction of risks associated with pesticides. However, the key to the success of IPM is using a combination of appropriate techniques. Evaluating the results is essential to determining whether the problem has been solved or the planned solution needs adjustment.

INSPECTION
Inspection is the key to properly identifying, diagnosing and treating a termite problem. While subterranean termites are the only species indigenous to the Northeast, other termite species (especially drywood termites) do occur. The practitioner needs to be prepared for encounters with non-native species.

The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. performs a thorough outdoor inspection for activity and/or mud tubing;
2. performs a thorough indoor inspection for current activity and existing damage (age, extent, location);
3. properly identifies insect species and life stages;
4. identifies the foundation type;
5. identifies foundation deficiencies or dissimilarities;
6. identifies evidence of previous treatment;
7. identifies moisture conditions, their location and cause;
8. identifies inaccessible void areas and their potential for infestation;
9. references the original building plan;
10. completes a diagram of structure with all above items located;
13. all conditions conducive to termite infestation identified;
14. installs a monitoring device;
15. identifies other environmental/cultural conditions conducive to termite infestation.

CUTURAL PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS
Termite problems are usually associated with conditions that provide access and moisture to pest populations. The cultural practices listed below correct conditions that encourage termite problems. The practitioner must provide written recommendations to the customer concerning conditions that need correction. In some cases, pest management contractors will correct these conditions for a fee.

The Pest Management Practitioner evaluates, recommends and corrects, as appropriate:
1. wood to soil contact is eliminate;
2. outdoor moisture sources are remedied;
3. indoor moisture sources are eliminated or reduced;
4. all conducive conditions identified in diagram;
16. where possible, all inaccessible areas are made accessible;
17. vulnerable soil surfaces are graded and covered with cement slab;
18. ground outside is graded to direct water away from structure.

TREATMENT
The use of pesticides is not permitted on a routine or periodic basis. No pesticide application can be made unless both the presence of a pest is confirmed and the pest has been identified. The client should be informed of the possible control options and the benefits and drawbacks of each method. Conditions conducive to infestation should also be identified and reported to the client, with recommendations for their correction.

The IPM Practitioner:
1. assures that a map of the structure is maintained as a permanent record of inspection, recommendations and applications;
2. uses sand and impervious barriers;
3. uses accepted monitoring and baiting stations;
4. applies one or more of the following treatments:
a. spot liquid application;
b. sill and exposed basement wood treatment;
c. liquid or foam combinations applied to soils;

EDUCATION
It is important that pest management practitioners increase their knowledge of strategies to solve termite problems successfully. The art of termite control is changing. The practitioner needs to invest time and resources to remain current regarding new developments in pesticides, methods, techniques and equipment.

The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. participates in an educational program, addressing the following termite-related topics within a three-year period:
a. pest identification
b. sanitation
c. exclusion (including inspection techniques)
d. harborage removal /denial
e. environmental alteration (i.e. ventilation, temperature control, etc.)
f. trapping & monitoring
g. vacuuming
h. use of heat/cold as control technique
i. other considerations
2. subscribes to one or more professional association, organization, and/or trade publications reporting on structural pest management with consistent coverage of IPM related topics;
3. is an active member of a relevant trade or professional association;
4. provides customer with IPM information;
5. Advanced: has completed correspondence course in pest management in current year.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Carpenter Ants
Small Ants
Cockroaches
Fabric Pests
Fleas
Flies
Occasional Household Pests
Rodents
Stinging Insects
Stored Products Pests
Termites
Glossary
Additional Resources