How to Avoid Deception in Termite Treatment
There were drywood termites in my small condo building and in spite of reservations about effectiveness, I contracted with a pest control operator because of its claims of using a nontoxic and non-chemical alternative method of eradication. I discovered after the treatment, however, that toxic chemicals were knowingly used and, regardless of how they presented their methods to me, they covered their actions with carefully worded contracts and by filing the appropriate papers with the California Structural Pest Control Board, which regulates the industry.
Other than the obvious misrepresentation, the use of chemicals is significant in that a chemical spot treatment is significantly cheaper than an alternative treatment and offers the same warranty enforceable by the Structural Pest Control Board.
I know for a fact that mine is not an isolated experience so if you are considering using an alternative method of termite eradication and want to avoid the deceptive practices that I encountered I suggest the following:
1--Ask if anything other than the alternative technology will be used during the actual application. Be cautious of names of treatment systems or trade names which may conceal chemical identity. You can refer questions to the California Department of Pesticide Enforcement, (916) 654-0831.
2--Ask for recent efficacy studies done by independent sources. Efficacy studies of these new methods are not required by law and some have simply not been tested in practical situations. Customer recommendations don’t count. Neither does a lack of complaints filed to the Structural Pest Control Board.
3--Do not sign a contract or work authorization that does not specifically state that no toxic chemicals will be used. Authorizing a company to simply remove termites from your building allows them to use any method they choose.
4--Read the warranty. Look for statements that allow the company to use methods which in the judgment of the operator are deemed the most effective. Those kinds of statements allow the operator to use toxics.
5--If the company has done an inspection, ask to see the report which they must file with the Structural Pest Control Board. That report will indicate what the recommended treatments are and must indicate the use of chemicals if any. If the report does not have a “report of inspection” stamp from the Structural Pest Control Board ask to see a stamped copy of the report. Check it again to make certain that no changes have been made particularly in the area of treatment recommendations and chemicals used. If you find discrepancies from the first report you saw report them to the Board, (213) 897-7838.
6--Under no circumstances allow an operator to begin an application without being given an inspection report. And certainly do not hand over any money until you have checked that report for the intended use of chemicals. Don’t be pressured into allowing work to begin if you think you are being misled.
7--If you have already contracted with a company that claims a nontoxic and non-chemical alternative method and the work has been completed, check the inspection report that the company is required by law to give to you. You can obtain a copy from the Structural Pest Control Board if you don’t have one. If you find that chemicals were used and you feel that the operator who used them misrepresented that use to you, report it to the board.
The desire not to fumigate to eradicate termites is a strong one. The anxieties surrounding it make for an emotional issue. But the facts indicate that at present the alternative methods of termite control, even the genuine ones, are of limited effectiveness and dependent upon individual circumstances.
I chose an alternative method with the promise of receiving a nontoxic treatment with fumigation-like effectiveness. Given the facts that toxic chemicals were used and termites returned in less than four months, I got neither.
SAM FREED, Los Angeles
