Termite Treatment Related
Chalk Marks:
During a termite inspection, inspectors use chalk to mark areas of termite infestation and fungus infection inside and around a home. These markings primarily serve as a guide for termite technicians, ensuring they know exactly where to treat. In enclosed areas like attics, garages, and crawl spaces, chalk marks also create a historical record of termite activity and past treatments.
If your home has been inspected for termites, you might notice chalk markings in certain areas. If you enter your attic, for example, and see a K with an arrow pointing down, it likely indicates a pile of drywood termite droppings beneath it. If the arrow points up, it’s marking a section of framing suspected to be infested. A circle on a piece of framing usually highlights a drywood termite kickout hole, the small opening where termites push out their droppings.
Why K? It’s short for Kalotermitidae, the Latin name for drywood termites.
In your crawl space, if you find an S, it signifies subterranean termites. Though their Latin name is Rhinotermitidae, for some reason, inspectors use S instead of R.
Chalk Marks as a Sign of a Thorough Inspection
If you notice a company name and a date in a hard-to-reach area—like the far end of an attic, crawl space, or high in garage rafters—that’s a sign the inspector thoroughly checked those areas. Not all companies do this, but those that do are holding themselves to a high standard by ensuring complete inspections.
Understanding Dates and Treatment Indicators
Dates are important. If you see a K 23, it means drywood termites were found sometime in 2023. If your home was treated after that or is under warranty, any termite evidence from that time is likely considered inactive.
Around the perimeter of your home, a chalk line on a board indicates that the technician should treat that area. An arrow pointing up often means termite activity was found in second-story eaves. These chalk markings, along with the inspector’s graph, help the technician know exactly where to focus their treatment.
If multiple termite companies inspect your home and make chalk markings, it’s in your best interest to leave them in place. This ensures you receive a thorough and effective termite treatment, as each inspector’s notes contribute to a complete picture of the problem.
Masking Agent
A substance, typically dry cement, applied over existing termite droppings, usually in attic spaces, to indicate that the droppings are old and inactive. This helps assess the effectiveness of the termite treatment that addressed the infestation and prevents unnecessary future treatments by distinguishing past activity from new infestations.
Termite droppings are made of wood, so they don’t decompose. Without masking, there is no way to determine if droppings are old or new. If your termite company doesn’t have a masking strategy, then you should probably consider another company.
The B&G Compressed Air Sprayer
Invented in 1949 by two Purdue University engineers, Bill Brehm and George Gilmore, the B&G compressed air sprayer has become an indispensable tool in the pest control industry. Revered for its durability, reliability, and precision, it has set the benchmark for professional-grade equipment.
Unlike many tools that wear out after a few years, the B&G sprayer is built to last a lifetime. Its stainless steel tank resists corrosion, while its brass hardware ensures durability and precision even under heavy use. It’s no surprise that many pest control professionals rely on the same sprayer throughout their entire careers.
Owning a B&G sprayer is an investment. A one-gallon sprayer costs just under $400, and the accessories aren’t cheap either. A termite application tip alone is over $30, with an additional $7 for the required connecting device. But this steep price reflects its unmatched quality. With proper care, the B&G sprayer not only pays for itself over time but also ensures consistent, professional results.
Pest control often requires meticulous application, whether targeting termites in wall voids or ants along baseboards. The B&G sprayer’s design allows for highly controlled, even distribution of pesticides, minimizing waste and maximizing efficacy. Its versatility makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor use, ensuring professionals can tackle any pest issue with confidence.
While there are cheaper sprayers on the market, they lack the longevity and reliability of the B&G. Disposable or poorly built sprayers can fail at the most inopportune moments, potentially costing technicians more in downtime and replacements than a quality tool like the B&G. For pest control professionals, the sprayer is a partner in their work, and its performance directly impacts their ability to deliver excellent service.
Spray Rig
A spray rig is a high-capacity tank sprayer powered by either a gas or electric motor. Typically mounted in a termite technician’s truck bed, it can also be trailer-mounted or made portable with a dolly. In the pest control industry, spray rigs range from 25 to 50 gallons and feature hoses between 100 and 300 feet long.
Spray rigs are essential for applying preventative borate treatments in attics and crawlspaces, as well as performing subterranean termite soil treatments. Their capacity and reach make them indispensable for efficiently treating large areas and navigating tight or difficult spaces.
Hammer Drill
Hammer drills are essential tools for termite companies when performing subterranean termite soil treatments. These drills are used to create holes through sidewalks and pavement, enabling the application of termiticide beneath the surface.
To ensure safety, hammer drills are paired with a stop box or drill interrupter—a device that automatically cuts power if the drill bit contacts grounded metal, such as pipes, conduits, or reinforced steel.
Pesticide manufacturers provide strict guidelines for drilling. For instance, drilling is not permitted in front of doors or driveways to avoid compromising the structural integrity of the pavement or walkway.
The drill holes are typically the size of a dime. Once created, a down rod is inserted into the hole, and termiticide is injected into the soil below. After the treatment, the holes are patched to restore the surface.
Rescreening Attic Vents
Rescreening is the process of replacing or adding a finer mesh screen to your attic vents, similar to the material used in window screens. This helps prevent termite swarmers from entering your attic and establishing a colony.
Since termites are attracted to attics as potential nesting sites, particularly during swarming season, ensuring that gable vents are properly screened is an effective way to reduce the risk of infestation.
Rescreening is considered a component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) because it is a proactive, non-chemical method of termite prevention. By physically blocking swarmers from entering, rescreening works alongside other preventive measures to help protect your home from termites in an environmentally responsible way.
