NPMA Follow Up About An "Inside Edition" Investigative Termite Control Video Segment

NPMA Discusses "Inside Edition" Termite Control Segment

SHOW SYNOPSIS AND FINDINGS

An Inside Edition segment aired on sales practices associated with termite inspections. The segment aired on Thursday, November 21st on broadcast stations throughout the country.  Giving credence to problems caused by termites, the piece was introduced with the correct assertion that termites cost homeowners $5 billion in damage each year.  The story focused on a Texas home pre-inspected by two pest management experts who confirmed there was no termite damage or activity present on the property.  With hidden cameras rolling, professionals from 15 pest management firms were called to the home to perform termite inspections. The vast majority of companies contacted found no evidence of termites and left the home without incident.  

Video Credit: Inside Edition

One of the companies did report evidence of termites, though it appeared the technician believed the damage was old as he recommended a protection plan, not treatment.  One other technician recommended a protective treatment plan, citing high moisture readings and the high prevalence of termites in the geographic region.  Based on the moisture readings and location of the house, he speculated that the likelihood of the home having termites in the future was near 100%, though later downgraded that estimate to 70%-90% likely.  The segment concluded that homeowners should be aware of recommendations for expensive termite treatments. 

TALKING POINTS

While the segment did not suggest improper activities, rather offered only caution to viewers, industry professionals may field inquiries from current or prospective customers who viewed last night's episode of Inside Edition.  Accordingly, the following talking points may serve as a helpful resource. 

Is it true that termites cause $5 billion in property damage?

Yes.  According to the National Pest Management Association, that is an accurate estimate of the incredible damage these pests can cause for homeowners, damage that's generally not covered by homeowners' insurance.

What's the difference between a termite treatment and a preventative termite treatment?

Remedial termite treatments are performed once active termite activity is confirmed.  Such activity may present as tunnels formed by termites, damaged wood, or termite swarms, among other things.  Once conducted, termite treatments are normally effective in controlling and protecting the structure from termites for several years.  

Preventative treatment is prudent and is especially recommended when a home is believed to be at risk for termites.  Risk factors include geographic region, moisture readings within the home, a home's age and construction, etc. Pest management professionals can advise homeowners on conditions that may make a home at risk for termite infestations and may present options for preventative treatment.

Is it appropriate to have preventative termite treatments?

The National Pest Management Association encourages homeowners to talk with pest management professionals about whether preventative termite treatments are recommended for their home.  For some homes, and especially those in termite-prone areas or where home conditions are favorable for termites, preventative treatment can be very effective in preventing against termites and the costly damage they do.  In many regions of the country, preventative pre-construction treatments are mandated by building codes.

Why is moisture a predictor of termite activity?

Some kinds of termites thrive in moisture-rich environments and accordingly, high moisture readings can suggest an environment that may be attractive to this destructive pest.

Can a technician identify evidence of termite damage?

Sometimes termite damage is very easy to identify and other times, it can be hidden, and that is why it is important to have annual inspections performed by knowledgeable and trained professionals.  If termite activity is identified, homeowners should receive an explanation of the evidence that was found.   

OTHER POINTS

The show did not make a strong distinction between preventative treatments and treatments for active infestations. They discussed both interchangeably, when of course, that is not accurate. 

Source: National Pest Management Association www.pestworld.org

Reynolds Pest Management, Inc. is a proud Member of The National Pest Management Association.

Pest Management Industry Fact Sheet Has New Updates

NPMA's Pest Management Industry Fact Sheet was updated on May 18, 2011 with the 2010 industry demographic numbers provided by Gary Curl. This is useful information for PCOs to have when discussing the importance of the pest management industry and why you should hire a professional.

Pest Management Industry Fact Sheet

Why the urban environmental pest management industry is important:

• Pests destroy homes and buildings and their contents; termites alone cause over $5 billion in damage annually.

• Pests can transmit disease-causing organisms including West Nile Virus, Lyme Disease, malaria, plague, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, hantavavirus, and encephalitis.

• Insect stings force half-a-million people to the emergency room every year.

• Rodents consume or contaminate about 20 percent of the world's food supply.  They carry fleas and ticks that potentially carry diseases.  Rodents have also been implicated in fires across the country by chewing wires and spilling flammables.

• Bed bugs have made a resurgence in the United States. While no one is sure of the exact reason, experts suggest it may be due to more targeted treatment practices and increased international travel.

Most people tend to think of pest management in terms of residential problems (ants, rodents, cockroaches, termites, fleas, etc.).  The importance of the industry to the nation as a whole is much broader including food and health protection:
           

• Public health officials attribute the quality of life we have today to three things: better pharmaceuticals and vaccines, better sanitation and better pest control.

• Rats bite more than 45,000 people each year.  Rats can cause fires by chewing wires and transmit disease organisms such as rat bite fever, salmonella, trichinosis, murine typhus, the plague, and leptospirosis.

• According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, more than two million Americans are allergic to stinging insects, more than 500,000 enter hospital emergency rooms every year suffering from insect stings, and between 40-150 people a year die as a result of these stings.

• Without pest management practices, pests could destroy more than 50 percent of our food crops.  Only 11 percent of the average U.S. disposable income is spent on food compared to 19.9 percent in Japan and 52.6 percent in China.

• In a recent consumer survey, 93 percent of people expressed concern over finding insects within their home.  According to a survey cited by the Army Community Service, insects and bugs rank as the public's third most common fear, behind public speaking and heights.

• Seven to eight percent of the general population is allergic to cockroaches.  Studies of inner city children in Atlanta with chronic wheezing and runny noses revealed that 44 percent of them were allergic to cockroaches.  Recent surveys have determined that cockroach allergens are the number three contributors to children's asthma.

• Cockroach suppression and eradication is vital to health care facilities, homes, and sites where food is prepared or served.  Cockroaches contaminate food and spread filth by walking through contaminated areas.  They commonly carry staphylococci, streptococcus, coli-form, molds, salmonella, yeasts, and clostridia.

• Innovations in pest management parallel an increase in life expectancy.  A child born in 1900 had a life expectancy of just 49 years while a child born in 2010 had a life expectancy of 78 years.

• In a consumer survey, renters and homeowners were asked about the problems they've had with their homes or apartments.  The number one problem they cited was insects.  In fact, nearly half (45 percent) of the complaints dealt with insects or rodents in the home.

• It would be difficult to find any segment of the food industry that could comply with federal sanitation and health regulations without an adequate pest management program.

Reprinted from:  http://www.npmapestworld.org/

Termite Control in Port St. Lucie Florida

Termite Control Tips and Facts for Florida Homeowners 

Reynolds Pest Management Gives Advice to Control and Prevent Termite Problems  in Port Saint Lucie

Find Termite control facts and tips to control and prevent termites in your Port St. Lucie Florida home. Follow the following link for helpful advice:

Click Here: Termite Control for Port Saint Lucie Florida