The purpose of termite control is to stop termites from feeding on a structure. These procedures should be performed only by a licensed Pest Control Operator (PCO). PCO's are licensed and regulated by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). The pesticides they use are regulated both by the department and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

If termites are discovered in or around your structure...DO NOT PANIC. Termites will not cause significant structural damage in a matter of weeks. Use the following information to investigate proposals and treatment plans until you are sure you understand the terms and conditions of the service. Then contract with a state-licensed PCO.

Any contract for termite control with a licensed PCO should provide the following:

1. A thorough initial inspection.
2. A detailed treatment proposal.
3. A thorough initial treatment.
4. The contract should be discussed with your PCO so that you will fully understand its provisions. You should understand if structural damage that may occur after treatment is covered and what is the PCO's promise if termites return.
5. Continuous monitoring. (This should be discussed with your PCO to ascertain if it is appropriate, how it is to be accomplished, when it is to be done, by whom it is to be done, and additional cost, if any.)

Thorough Inspection
A thorough initial inspection by a qualified termite inspector is the first and most important step in protecting your property. The purpose of the inspection is to determine if the termites have infested the structure and to establish a specific treatment plan based on the conditions present.

The inspector should:

• Visually inspect all accessible areas of the structure, both inside and outside, that are susceptible to termite infestation.
• Probe and/or sound test accessible areas of the structure that are prone to termite attack.
• Tell you about inaccessible or obstructed areas. Also, make recommendations for gaining access to those areas not currently available for treatment.
• Identify and note any visible evidence of termite and/or damage.
• Note conditions which cause termite infestations and recommend how to eliminate or correct the conditions.
• Measure the structure for pricing and a proper treatment plan if termite evidence is detected and recommend a treatment plan.

A qualified inspector is trained to look for visible signs of subterranean termite infestation. However, the inspector is usually unable to inspect behind walls and paneling, into wall voids, under floor coverings, beyond ceiling panels, or through other cosmetic coverings that are part of the structural elements of homes. It is possible that insect activity and/or damage may be present and remain undetected even after a thorough inspection.

The PCO cannot be held responsible for any infestation or damage that occurs in inaccessible areas that he or she cannot inspect.

Treatment Proposal
The most common treatment used for control of subterranean termites is called a soil/foundation treatment. The goal of this treament is to create a continuous barrier of treated soil between the termite colony and the foundation of the structure that will kill and/or repel the foraging termites.

The PCO's proposed treatment plan should include specific information about the soil/foundation treatment, including: name of termiticide to be used, the concentration, the approximate numbers of gallons to be applied, the approximate hours to complete the job, and a description of the treatment procedures. All such treatment (termiticide applications) should be made in accordance with current EPA-approved label directions for the product used.

The interaction of soil, moisture, the pH level of the foundation and slab materials, plus the compaction and type of soil may affect the distribution of the termiticide in the ground and how long it will be effective. These conditions, plus characteristics of the structure itself, can cause even the most professionally applied materials to be less effective than desired. You should discuss any such conditions with your PCO after his or her initial inspection and consider correcting those conditions where possible. The tratment plan, the type of the contract available, and the cost will be based upon the findings of the inspection and whether or not you, the consumer, correct the conditions.

Termite Control Contracts
Termite are complicated living creatures. It's difficult to predict exactly how attacking colonies will react to the termiticide intended to cut them off from their food source. Some colonies go quietly, abandon the food source, and may die off. Others become aggressive and discover creative ways around or through the barrier to continue feeding. As a result, absolute control of a termite infestion may not be accomplished with the initial treatment. Re-treatments may be necessary to total control.

The ability, knowledge, experience, and commitment of PCOs can vary. These variables may impact the effectiveness of the treatment(s) and the manner in which re-treatments are performed. As a consumer, you should search for a PCO who you believe will best fulfill your needs.

Your PCO should provide you with the terms and conditions of your termite treatment program in a document generally referred to as a service agreement or contract. Each company's document is different, and the terms, conditions, limitations, and requirements vary from company to company. Take necessary time to read and understand the content of each part of your service agreement/contract and ask your salesperson about any language provision that is not clear to you. You should also understand how the services are to be carried out and what responsibilities you may have as a homeowner (providing access, removing pets, payment terms, disclosure of structural deficiencies, hidden spots, etc.).

The Pest Control Operator's Obligations
An important element of most termite service agreements is the provision regarding the company's obligations to the consumer. These provisions may vary from company to company and from circumstance to circumstance. You should understand them thoroughly before signing a service agreement/contract. Most contract provisions fall into one of three categories:

1) Re-Treatment Only. This is the PCO's promise to provide additional treatment procedures if termites are discovered in the structure after the initial treatment and during the initial contract period. This promise does not obligate the PCO to repair, replace, or correct any damage inflicted by the termites. It is the most common practice in the industry.

2) Re-treatment and Damage repair. Not all PCOs provide such a guarantee/warranty, and typically, the structure must meet certain criteria to qualify for this guarantee. Under this commitment, the PCO is obligated to repair, replace, correct damage to the structure should it appear after the initial treament and during the guarantee/warranty period. If your contract includes such a guarantee/warranty, you should be absolutely certain that you understand the obligations you must fulfill in order to continue to be eligible for this guarantee/warranty.

3) No Guarantee/Warranty. Following an initial inspection, the PCO may not offer to enter into an agreement that would provide either re-treatment or damage repair because of existing environmental or structural conditions. The absence of any such promise should be clearly indicated in your agreement.

Most service contracts are for a period of one (1) to five (5) years following a thorough treament. Another thorough inspection may occur before the end of the contract period to determine if the termites are under control or if re-treatment is necessary. It may also form the basis for an agreement to extend the contract period if the customer so desires.

IN ANY EVENT, a licensed Ohio PCO has an obligation under the law to perform the inspections and the treatment in a workman-like manner. This means that you, as a consumer, are entitled to a professional job using proper techniques and appropriate materials in sufficient quantities to accomplish the intended purpose.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio Attorney General have ruled that all termite treatments must be in full compliance with the label direction as to the amount and concentration of termiticides used and specific required treatment methods.

Termite Damage
Few words strike fear into the hearts of homeowners more than the phrase "termite damage." It is important to understand that, if there is any visible evidence of termite infestation, some degree of damage may exist. The extent of the damage could range from cosmetic scarring, which is relatively insignificant, to major structural damage.

If the customer wants a complete assessment of the damages, it will require complete visibility of the structural parts, which necessitates removal of all wall, floor, and ceiling coverings. Termite feeding and activity may be occurring in areas of the structure that are inaccessble (behind walls or under floors) and may not become visible until further feeding has occurred or walls are removed. The PCO cannot be held responsible for damage that occurs in inaccessible areas, unless the consumer makes those areas accessible for inspection. Damage assessment involving removal of walls should be done by a qualified building expert.

Monitoring Plan
A continuing monitoring plan, sometimes referred to as a contract extension, is not an assurance that termites will not return, but provides for corrective action to be taken as specified in the contract as necessary. The purpose of periodic inspections following an initial treatment is to determine whether the treatment was effective and if termites are present inside the treatment barrier. Periodic inspections by your professional pest control operator are necessary in the implementation of a sound termite control plan. If termites return, your PCO should re-treat, if your contract so provides.

Follow-up inspections are limited to all visible or accessible areas, including crawl spaces, and should be conducted as promised in the contract. It should be made clear before you sign the contract whether you must pay for these inspections and how often they will occur. Most PCOs will also offer contract renewals or programmed inspections for a specified period of time at additional cost. Again, these programs may promise free treatment or re-treatment and damage repair. However, it is the consumer's responsibility to ascertain what is being promised and the obligations of the PCO before entering into such a contract.

Contract renewals can provide a beneficial service because they usually extend the original contract terms, conditions, and services and include specified periodic inspections. These are normally available for a fee on an annual basis, beginning with the anniversary date of the original treatment. Any such follow-up inspections should be performed by qualified termite inspectors and should include all areas of the previously treated structure(s) that may be prone to termite infestation.