Termite Legislation

Ken Herman stated in a June 24 letter that after fumigation of a home for termites, “concentrations of pesticide inside the residence may actually increase for many years.”

This is simply not the case because after a fumigant tent is removed, any remaining fumigant dissipates into the air. No residue is left in the air or on surfaces.

Moreover, California law requires that pest control operators use a special instrument to test the air inside structures after fumigation to ensure that the building has aired properly before it can be reoccupied.

Fumigation and other pesticide treatments used by pest control operators in California are subject to strict regulations and must be thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness by the Structural Pest Control Board and the Department of Food and Agriculture.

In an effort to help protect consumers and pest control operators, the Pest Control Operators of California is supporting legislation that will mandate the testing and registration of alternative pest control treatments such as microwaves, freezing and heat.

If approved, Assembly Bill 4050 will help ensure that new technologies to eradicate pests are found to be both safe and effective before they are approved for use in California. The good news for consumers is that the bill has passed the Assembly and if passed by the Senate Business and Professions Committee, could be signed into law by September or October.

Consumers who have questions or concerns about pest control or the new legislation are invited to call PCOC at (916) 372-4363 or the Structural Pest Control Board at (916) 924-2291.

HARVEY LOGAN

West Sacramento

Logan is executive vice president of Pest Control Operators of California Inc.