DATE: December 13, 2007

CONTACT: Cam Lay, (864) 646-2150
clay@clemson.edu

WRITER: Tracy Outlaw, (864) 646-2150
tracyo@clemson.edu


'Tis almost the season for termites

CLEMSON — Most of us are busy this time of year just trying to keep our heads above the tinsel in the hustle bustle of the holiday season.

Think it’s too cold to worry about termites? Think again, says the Clemson University Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).

Spring is not very far away, and that's when termites swarm out of their colonies to reproduce, lay their eggs and form new colonies.

The basis of termite control is to protect some of the termite’s food sources: your house and other buildings.

Termites can enter a structure by burrowing upward through cracks in bricks or cement, or by building small tubes of mud directly across the foundation. Once established, they attack the wood of the house and feed on its cellulose. Over time, support timbers are hollowed out and the whole structure of the house is weakened.

That's a huge economic risk for the average family. Buying a home normally is a family’s largest single investment.  Repairs from termite damage can cost thousands of dollars.

The South Carolina structural pest-control industry is regulated by DPR. Pest-control professionals must pass a comprehensive certification exam, demonstrate financial responsibility and be licensed before performing any pest-control activity.

Detailed standards set by DPR explain how termite treatments must be performed.

Cam Lay, assistant department head for DPR, said, “For South Carolina homeowners it is not a matter of ‘if’ an unprotected home will be attacked by subterranean termites but ‘when.’ The entire Southeast is a high-risk area for termite invasion because of the moderate temperatures and higher humidity.”

Sixteen DPR field staff conduct structural pest inspections in their respective territories around the state. These investigators respond to complaints related to termite services and will conduct an onsite inspection of those treatments to ensure compliance, if necessary.

Kevin DeLorenzo, a regulatory specialist in the DPR Charleston office, said some pest-control operators work without a state license, use the wrong chemicals or don't apply pesticides in the right places.

"We can't stress enough the importance of selecting a professional, licensed pest-control operator," he said. “You want someone who will not only treat your house properly at the start, but also will do a good job inspecting it over the years to keep it termite-free.”

All pest-control businesses are required to be licensed by DPR and have a yellow departmental decal on each side of their vehicles. Employees of these companies must either be licensed or carry an identification card that verifies that they have been adequately trained.

DeLorenzo advises people who need assistance or who believe a violation may have occurred to contact DPR at (864) 646-2150 or visit their web site at dpr.clemson.edu for regulatory specialist contact information.

The Clemson University Department of Pesticide Regulation offers these tips when you are choosing a pest-control company:

  • Call DPR to learn whether a company has any violations or visit the online enforcement history database at  regfocus.clemson.edu/dpr/greenbook.htm.
  • Get several bids from different pest-control companies. Bids usually are free.
  • Ask friends and neighbors to recommend a company.
  • Get a termite contract. Contracts usually are written for five to 10 years, and the most useful of them cover damage and repair in addition to retreatment.
  • Have your house inspected regularly for termites. 
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