Pest Blog   |   March 8, 2021

Termite talk: Educate your customers in 4 simple steps

Termites are a pervasive pest issue in North America, costing homeowners and businesses a reported $5 billion a year in damage, although that number is likely grossly underestimated. In addition to costly damage, termite infestations are responsible for untold stress, anxiety, and worry for home and business owners alike.

 

This year, March 7 - 13 – has been designated as Termite Awareness Week by the Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA), the National Pest Management Association's marketing, awareness, and advocacy group.

 

This unique awareness week provides great opportunities for pest management providers to establish rapport with customers through knowledge sharing, education, and recommendations. Here are 4 steps you can take right now to build strong relationships with your customers.

 

1. Educate on the conditions conducive to termites

Whether you're a termite-only service provider or an all-inclusive pest management professional, use the time spent at your customers' properties to help them understand what conditions on their property could be making an environment conducive to termites.

 

  • For many termite species, moisture helps to create the best environment. Repair any leaks, prevent HVAC or air conditioning condensation, and correct poor drainage
  • Prevent wood to soil contact. This increases the likelihood that wood can become damp and that termites will have an easy route of entry.
  • Use treated wood for all new construction.
  • Remove any excess wood in the yard (fallen trees, tree stumps and roots, construction materials, etc.).
  • Avoid storing firewood near the structure.
  • Keep mulch pulled back away from the foundation, as termites will consume this. Consider using an alternative, non-wood mulch, such as lava or egg rock.

 

2. Build termite knowledge

Most home and business owners likely aren't aware of the differences between termites and many don't know the signs of a termite problem. During your routine service visits, take time to help your customers understand these important termite facts.

 

There are approximately 50 species of termite in North America. However, only a fraction of those – less than half – are of concern to structures. A handful of species are responsible for the bulk of issues for property owners.

 

  • Eastern subterranean termite - Reticulitermes flavipes
    The most common species of termite in North America. Has been found in every U.S. state except Alaska and discovered as far north as Ontario, Canada.
  • Western subterranean termite - Reticulitermes hesperus
    Most common along the entire Pacific coast, with a range that spans from British Columbia beyond the southern U.S. border with Mexico.
  • Western drywood termite - Incisitermes minor
    A major structural problem for residents of the Western U.S. states, this termite is primarily active in the Western and Southwestern U.S.
  • Tropical drywood termites - Cryptotermes spp.
    Encompassing multiple species, tropical drywood termites reside along the coastal regions of the Southeastern U.S., from Florida west to Eastern Texas.
  • Formosan termite - Coptotermes formosanus
    Dubbed one of the most aggressive termite species due to its massive colony size that can quickly destroy structures, the Formosan subterranean termite is found throughout the Southeastern U.S. They can also be found in Hawaii.
  • Asian termite - Coptotermes gestroi
    First discovered in the U.S. in the mid-1990s, this termite species is currently spreading its range in Florida.
  • Pacific dampwood termite - Zootermopsis angusticollis
    This termite species infests very damp, damaged wood, and its habitat reflects that. The Pacific dampwood termite makes its home in the Pacific Northwest, stretching into northern parts of California and Nevada and as far West as Idaho.
  • Florida or Southern dampwood termites - Neotermes spp.
    While this termite includes a number of species, it also prefers very damp, damaged wood. In the continental U.S., it is only found in Florida.

 

In addition to providing your customers with knowledge on termite species, informing them of the five common signs of termite activity can alert them to potential activity.

 

  • Swarmers: Sexually reproductive termites, known as alates, emerge from their nests in large, flying groups. This emergence is synchronized with neighboring termite colonies and weather conditions to increase the likelihood of successful reproduction. The first sign of a problem may be when home or business owners notice large swarms of termites. These swarms are seasonal and can result in increased termite sightings and overall concern.
  • Shed wings: The swarming ritual doesn't last long. After swarming, alates will land to find a mate and shed their wings. These discarded wings are a highly visible sign of a potential termite problem.
  • Mud tubes: These are a very common sign of subterranean termite activity. Termites use them to travel between the soil and a food source. The mud tubes will be attached to the structure, often near the foundation. A curious home or business owner may notice them and wonder what they are.
  • Damaged or blistered wood: As termites hollow out wood to make their colony, it can create the appearance of blisters or bubbles in wood. People may also notice that the wood sounds "hollow" when knocked or stepped on.
  • Frass: A key indicator of termite activity is frass. These are wood-colored termite droppings that differ in appearance from species to species, and are sometimes mistaken for sawdust.

 

3. Help customers make the best decisions for their home or business.

More than almost any other pest, termites can be worrying for people. Many have heard nightmare stories about expensive repairs to their homes. Others have been pitched exorbitant contracts that are more than what they need.

 

Transparency can go a long way toward building trust. Help your customers make informed decisions for their homes or businesses by letting them know what you offer and helping them make the best decision for their protection and their budget.

 

Whether or not you currently provide termite services for a specific customer, be sure that they know you can assist them should termites ever become a problem. You'll miss a potential opportunity at their business should a competitor do door-to-door calls.

 

Homeowners, in particular, could be under the assumption that termite damage is covered under their homeowner's insurance policy, but that is typically not the case. If termites are active in your area and you offer any type of preventative treatment, such as baiting and monitoring or residual applications, advising a customer that these are available and can help prevent costly damage for the building owner.

 

4. Advise on termite activity in the area

While specific customer information is confidential, you can alert customers that termite activity has been discovered nearby. Termite activity on neighboring properties can spread to other nearby homes and businesses. Your customers will appreciate the information and – if you've taken care of #3 above – they'll already know that you're there to help them.

 

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