Haw. Code R. § 16-94-73 - Termite inspection standards

(a) The following represents the minimum standards for conducting a termite inspection and completing a TIR. The board's PC-9 form along with a diagram(s) showing locations of termite evidence and damage, if any, and descriptions of inaccessible areas shall be provided to document the findings of the inspection.

(b) A termite inspection shall be performed by a pest control operator or RME licensed in a BR-1 (Fumigation) or BR-3 (Termite) category. The licensee shall be responsible for the inspection, identified as the responsible party, and who shall sign the TIR. A pest control field representative licensed in BR-1 (Fumigation) and BR-3 (Termite) category may conduct an inspection; provided that the pest control field representative is under supervision of the licensed pest control operator or RME and the TIR is signed by the license pest control operator or RME.

(c) While individual inspectors may utilize various equipment and tools to conduct an inspection, the following shall at a minimum be required:

(1) Flashlight or lighting device;

(2) Probe to confirm evidence of termites in termite damaged wood where access allows (e.g., ice pick, pointer, etc.); and

(3) Supplies for diagramming (e.g., paper, graph paper, pens, pencils, rulers, computers, etc.).

(d) Each licensee shall, at a minimum, conduct the termite inspection as follows:

(1) Request any and all information related to any prior termite history or treatment from the owner. For real estate transactions, the licensee shall obtain the "Seller Disclosure Statement," (item 9 of the PC-9 form);

(2) Diagram the structure being inspected to indicate the areas that were inspected and where termite evidence was found. A licensee shall inspect accessible areas and describe the areas that were inaccessible on the diagram or list the inaccessible areas on the TIR (item 19 of the PC-9 form). A licensee shall at a minimum:

(A) Check the exterior of the structure for visible evidence and conducive conditions (items 12 and 21 (b) of the PC-9 form);

(B) Check the crawl space, if accessible, for visible evidence and conducive conditions (items 12 and 21 (b) of the PC-9 form);

(C) Check the interior of the structure for visible evidence of termites and conducive conditions (e.g. baseboards, door frames, window frames, etc.) (item 21(b) of the PC-9 form); and

(D) Check the attic space, if accessible, for visible evidence and conducive conditions (items 19 and 21 (b) of the PC-9 form); and

(3) Conduct a visual inspection looking for evidence of termite in structures that are accessible which shall include, but not limited to, wooden areas of the structure which may warrant further investigation by the licensee using methods such as "tapping and probing" (item 20 of the PC-9) form. Such evidence includes:

(A) Fecal droppings;

(B) Patching or cosmetic repair to wood surfaces;

(C) Kick-out holes; and

(D) Mud tubing.

(e) For purposes of this section a termite inspector is a licensed pest control operator, RME or pest control field representative holding BR-1 (Fumigation) or BR-3 (Termite). A pest control field representative must be under the supervision of the pest control operator or RME who shall sign and be responsible for the TIR.

Notes

Haw. Code R. § 16-94-73

[Eff and comp 2/17/2022] (Auth: HRS § 460J-3) (Imp: HRS §§ 460J-19, 460J-20)