Which of the following would NOT be an effective tool for a termite inspection?

In termite inspections, the effectiveness of the tools used is critical for accurately assessing the presence of termites and the extent of potential damage. Protective clothing, a probe tool, and a flashlight are all instrumental in conducting a thorough inspection.

Protective clothing ensures the safety of the inspector, particularly when navigating potentially hazardous environments such as crawl spaces or areas with sharp debris. A probe tool is specifically designed for testing the integrity of wood structures by checking for signs of decay or tunnels - common indicators of termite activity. A flashlight is essential for illuminating dark areas, enabling the inspector to spot evidence of infestation or damage that might otherwise go unnoticed.

While measuring tape is a useful tool in many inspection scenarios, it does not directly aid in detecting termite infestations. Therefore, it is not an effective tool specifically tailored for the task of inspecting for termites or analyzing wood damage, making it the least suitable option among the tools listed.