Here is clarification between carp ants, termites and their treatment:
http://www.umass.edu/bmatwt/publications/articles/controlling_ants_termites.html
http://www.umass.edu/bmatwt/publications/articles/controlling_ants_termites.html
HomeGuru said:The point that I ws trying to make was that Erick2003 did not know what he was talking about. I know termites. I used to be one in a previous life. Then decided that being a shark is better.
justpassingthru said:
Probably the worst cussing I ever received from a realtor is when I had the "audacity" to mention a severe flea problem in the comments section of my written report while performing a Wood destroying insect inspection for a real estate closing. I was accused of trying to drum up business for a flea treatment as sour grapes for not finding termites.....yeah right lady...geesh! I felt I had an obligation to report what was so painfully obvious. The new family may have small children for God's sake. Realtors really put the screws to inspectors...they pretty well dictate how when and what we will report...I DARE ANY OF YOU REALTORS TO DISPUTE THIS. If you are not yourself guilty of it then you most certainly well know 10 who are so no unwarranted guff please.
***Gee whiz Mr. Pest Inspector, do I know you? Have you done business with all the realtors in my state? There must be at least 12,000 of us in Oregon alone. Can you honestly say that you have met all of us and done inspections on every single home we have sold? Can you honestly say that we are all alike even when you have never met us? In my 20 years of selling real estate I have only met one unscrupulous realtor who called my pest inspector and had the audaciity to ask them to change the report. Thankfully, she is no longer in the business. I agree that there is good and bad in every profession, but making generalities like you have, is just plain ignorant.
BTW you can check out a poster's profile by clicking on the profile button of their post. Eric is not an attorney. This forum could probably use a pest inspector's advice, but please don't start attacking the professional people that post here. I think that if we all try to be civil, we can actually learn from each other, thats in the rules anyway.
justpassingthru said:
Somehow I just knew that would be the response. To answer your question I will say No, I have not been in direct contact with every Realtor in the nation. By the same token the posters on this board have not had contact with all pest professionals in the nation but I see the same negative generalities lumping us in the same group.
I can not make statements about Realtors as a whole and I really didn't do that intentionally. I made my statements about the realtors I deal with directly every day. Because the city I live in is quite large and the local economy has always been quite good home sales are always booming. As a result I meet with and speak with and deal with many agents on a daily basis. My firm is large therefore I am not only dealing with my own inspections I have to answer for all the inspectors licensed under me. My point here is I am in contact with realtors from the time I get up until the time I go to bed. Not all realtors are ruthless and unethical but the percentage that I deal with directly would never be hired by me to sell a dog house for me. Maybe yours is a good city and you all are of high moral caliber. To that I can only say thank God a place actually exists where pest inspectors aren't persecuted for simply doing their job.
Some pest control companies are not up to par in the ethics department as well. I could tell you stories that would curl your hair. I can spot a "dead bug doug" a mile away. Unfortunately the consumer can't. Maybe if I haven't made everyone mad at me I can offer some advice in this area?
You've pointed out to me that you are a highly moral Realtor well let me introduce myself, I'm a highly moral pest inspector. Perhaps our combined knowledge can do some good here on this board? Our industries, whether we like it or not, are thrust upon each other. If anything discussed here can make a difference for even one pest control company one real estate agent or one buyer then I say it has been worth it.
You folks appear to be quite intelligent and that's why I think I took the time to post. I see a lot of misperception about the inspection process in the home buying arena. If there is anything I can offer that could be of some help I'm happy to do it.
One of my best friends is a real estate agen so no, I don't think ALL Realtors are scoundrels. I apologize profusely if you feel I was attacking your profession.
****Fair EnoughSouix said:***Ok, I just hope you don't offer anymore generalities.