How to Become a Termite Inspector

Licensed termite inspectors can earn a great living, even working part time. Though this can mean easy money for someone who doesn't mind bugs, construction and small, confined spaces, it does come with specific job requirements. Before embarking on a career in termite inspection, be sure that you're comfortable and confident entering a private residence and dealing with termites and other wood-destroying bugs and paperwork. You must keep your license, contracts and knowledge up to date to remain a current termite inspector.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Proof of coursework completion
• Branch III license
• CDL (commercial driver's license)
• Clean criminal and driving record

1. Complete coursework in subject areas that pertain to termite control. The courses that are typically necessary to obtain your termite inspection license, according to the Structural Pest Control Board, include pesticides, pest identification and biology, construction repair and preservation, contract law, business practices and rules and regulations.

2. Sign up for a termite apprentice course at your local trade school or at a junior or community college. These courses will teach you what you need to know to become a professional termite inspector, including termite biology, identifying common building pests, termite baiting, how termites damage wood, how to properly examine the trenches and crawl spaces of a structure and how termite inspectors could use pest control tools and chemicals to rid a structure of the pests. They typically take less than a week to complete.

3. Contact a professional termite inspector and ask if you can become his apprentice. Sometimes the programs that offer the termite apprentice course will be able to connect its graduates with local professionals. This is similar to acting as a termite inspector intern, as it will allow you to see a professional inspector in action. You are not typically paid as an apprentice, at least not at first. The exception to this may be if you were recruited or invited to work as an assistant at a large termite inspection agency.

4. Obtain the proper licenses or certifications needed in your state to practice as a professional termite inspector. These may include a Branch III license, Structural Pest Inspectors (SPI), S-License (pest control supervisory license) or NPMA-33. Though license requirements vary state to state, they ensure that the licensee understands how to control for pests that destroy wood. This includes how to properly and safely use pesticides and insecticides, how to monitor a termite problem and treatment strategy and how to bait termites.

Tips & Warnings

• Individuals who plan to practice as termite inspectors in Texas must complete an apprentice course that is approved by the Structural Pest Control Service (SPCS) to receive an apprentice card, which is necessary to work as an apprentice. Texas requires all termite inspectors to register with the SPCS. Obtain a Class A driver's license if your potential employer requires you to operate a large commercial vehicle that transports chemicals such as pesticides and insecticides. Check your driving record with your local DMV to ensure that you have a clean driving report. You should also be sure that you can pass a drug test. These items are essential for anyone entering into someone's private residence or business.

References

• Commercial Driver's License Program (CDL/CDLIS)
• Branch III License Application
• Apprentice Termite Technician School

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