Comprehending pest inspection is more complicated than one would expect, at least, anyway, in Washington State. Bewilderment about pest inspection stems from who is authorized to perform it, for it might be, depending on the situation, someone from two entirely different professional trades, namely, home inspectors and pest control operators. The pest control operator\’s business is primarily the application of eradication treatments, but he typically offers to do a free pest inspection (even if the customer isn\’t sure there\’s a problem) as an incentive for ordering treatments from him. On the other hand, home inspectors examine house conditions, usually in conjunction with some kind of real estate transaction. It is useful for him to command expertise for pest inspecting because certain insects and other organisms are capable of destroying wood and causing tenable structural conditions.

Mastery of pest inspection skills has in general been relatively sparse for the most part. Traditionally, home inspectors didn\’t know much about entomology nor what to look for. Regulations governing pest control operators were lax enough to allow real estate agents to direct what they put in their reports, often compromising report integrity. Both legislation and enforcement have stiffened recently, benefiting customers. Home inspectors now have to get a second license from a second agency (thus having to meet an additional set of requirements) in order to practice as a structural pest inspector.

Let\’s examine what getting a structural pest inspection license entails. The first step is formal training in the identification of insect species that damage homes in one\’s region. Because the insect itself is rarely seen, the inspector has to know how to identify species from the detritus they leave behind, the habitats they build, and the way they damage wood. It is also necessary to know if species re-infest or not after treatment, how they migrate, and whether treatment must extend outside the home to be effective.

The second step is proof of sufficient financial coverage, either a surety bond or Errors-and-Omissions insurance. The law allows home inspectors to limit their liability (in their contracts) to be no more than the inspection fee, but it doesn\’t grant pest inspectors that right. Thirdly, to renew his license the inspector must keep up his skills by taking continuing education classes.

The pest inspection license authorizes the inspector to investigate three kinds of defects: conditions such as heavy moisture that are conducive to invasion from pests, actual infestations, and structural wooden damage caused by bio-organisms. His job is to locate these defects when present; otherwise he becomes liable to litigation. However, he can\’t afford the time to examine everything meticulously, so he concentrates on the telltale spots where infestations tend to begin, namely, crawl space and attic hatchways and remote corners. If the inspector finds anything in these places then he needs to be more deliberate.

Combining home and pest inspecting can sometimes be stressful. The second license brings with it additional demands, longer inspections, and more lengthy checklists. Plus, as mentioned above, the liability and expense is potentially burdensome. Yet the combination improves insight into defects and their possible interactions, providing the inspector with broadened perspective.

John W. Gordon is a licensed home inspector who plies his trade from Bellingham, Washington. He is also authorized to conduct a complete pest inspection. John\’s qualifications and sample reports can be viewed at www.HomeInspectionWA.net.

John W. Gordon is a licensed home inspector who plies his trade from Bellingham, Washington. He is also authorized to conduct a complete pest inspection. John\’s qualifications and sample reports can be viewed at http://www.HomeInspectionWA.net.

Author Bio: John W. Gordon is a licensed home inspector who plies his trade from Bellingham, Washington. He is also authorized to conduct a complete pest inspection. John\’s qualifications and sample reports can be viewed at www.HomeInspectionWA.net.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: pest inspection, home inspector, home inspection, inspection checklist, inspection report