Originally Posted By: rkuntz This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I want to get an idea of what other inspectors are doing about WDI Inspections. Are you doing them yourself or do you sub them out?
From my stand point I am want to get trained and do my own inspections. I think it is a good sales pitch to be able to do all/most inspection services to make things easier on the realtor and home buyer.
Also, this is a conflict of interest if you hire a company that also does applications. As one pest company owner told me, we don't make anything doing inspections, we make our money doing treatments.
Have anyone taken the PA Pest Management Associations 3 day class? I heard so good things about it but would like other opinions
Originally Posted By: jfarsetta This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Ronk,
In NY, its a 5-day course, with a 2-part exam administered by the state DEC sometime afterward.
In order to perform an inspection for WDI (and filll out the WDI form for the bank), you need a state license. The first 3 days is strictly learning to mix and apply pesticides. The last 2 days is entomology. Termites, carpenter ants, carpenter beed, old house borers, powder-post beetles, etc are all covered.
Here in NY, the course is kind of pricey. The exam is $50, but the actual license is $375 for a 5-year plan. In the end, you'll be able to inspect for termites, and actually apply pesticides for a licensed applicator. After a year of helping an applicator, you can get an actual applicators license.
As to the conflict of interest, pesticide companies regularly inspect for WDI infestations. In the state's eyes, they are the only ones qualified to do so. So, if you want to be in the WDI inspection game, you need to go the applicators route.
Originally Posted By: Robert Patterson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
RonK,
Does your state have a seperate Structural Pest Inspector? In WA State anybody that is inspecting for pests, moisture or conducive conditions must have either a Structural Pest Inspector or Applicators License. I have the Inspector license and use it. I do most of the work for a Pest Inspection while doing a home inspection anyway, the buyers and agents like it because they kill two birds with one stone. Not having the applicators license keeps me away from the conflict of interest arena.
Originally Posted By: jfarsetta This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
For those of you who don’t “know” him, Bob Patterson is a constant contributor to a variety of topics on InspectionNews.com.
Bob is a seasoned HI veteran, with insight and knowledge that will help enrich NACHIs membership and message forum. I've been after this guy to join our ranks for some time now, and it may finally happen!
So, I'm hoping to wish you a warm welcome to NACHI, Bob. The welcome is genuine... We've got a lot of good folks here, and NACHI is a good org. We are an opinionated bunch, but all have good hearts. Sometimes we agree. Sometimes we disagree. Sometimes we get on our soapboxes. Sometimes we tell each other to shut up. Sometimes we just like to bust ba**s a bit.
In the end, we all contribute and strive to make NACHI even better. We look forward to some lively debate, some cool war stories from nightmare inspections, and some spreading of knowledge. Again, welcome!!!
Originally Posted By: jfarsetta This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Igor,
Actually, here in NY the cert is a requirement for the completion of the WDI form. Id be surprised in folks who aren't certified would be viewed as "qualified" inspectors by the lending institutions in PA. But you know better than I.
And here in NY, if you want to, you can actually apply restricted pesticides and herbicides under an applicators license. Without the cert, you would be restricted from doing so. So, the cert is good for other things!
Originally Posted By: jfarsetta This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Igor,
It's really interesting stuff, for sure. The only thing I can tell you is this same issue was brought up in my WDI class. An inspector, taking the class, asked the very same question to the suits from the DEC. To his surprise, his question did not receive the answer he was trying to solicit.
The form in question was developed by the national pest management association (or something like that). The "if applicable" part is there because in some states, it is not applicable. In NY, it is.
The DEC folks made a point of it to tell this fellow that completing the WDI form without a DEC license (now $375 for a 5-year term) is illegal.
The DEC is cracking down on stuff all over the state. That is who are driving those green cars around. They are nailing everyone!
Be sure to complete your records and mail to the DEC by Feb 1st!. We are required, by law, to complete the same record keeping as any pesticide technician. No report, mandatory $500 fine. Period, end of report.
They just nailed the local Home Depot for three violations regarding unlicensed employees giving advice on pesticide and herbicide use to a couple of undercovers. End result? $15,000 fine to this one store. Mandatory. No appeal.
As NY runs out of money, Albany is devising creative ways to re-fill the coffers. This is just one of them. Local arborist had a truck impounded for having an incomplete spill kit on board. Another applicator got hit with a $2000 fine for having an empty pizza box behind the drivers seat (no eating allowed in the truck)
As to what the bank may or may not accept, I can't say. I only know what the DEC is going by. That almighty license is an absolute requirement in this state...
Originally Posted By: rkuntz This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Bob, Welcome to the board. I have read many of your posts on the other board and know that you can bring a lot to the NACHI board as well.
In PA I don't think that you have to be licenced do WDI Inspections. Although, for certain types of loans a bank requires a certified Pest Inspector to sign the form. I do agree with Igor that certification is good idea and I do plan on taking the course and getting certified.
If anyone is interested in taking the next course it is Feb 4-6 in the Philly area. The cost is $495, but we as NACHI members can take it for $295. It is put on by the PA Pest Management Association(http://www.papma.com/).
Originally Posted By: rkuntz This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Housemaster
Would this material prepare me to properly to do inspections for WDIs? With the increase in liability for do such inspections, I want to make sure I know what I am doing.