Chapter 620-6 WOOD DESTROYING ORGANISMS

Rule 620-6-.01 Definitions-Wood Destroying Organisms

Approved pesticide or termiticide--means a pesticide product currently registered by the Environmental Protection Agency and/or the Georgia Department of Agriculture, whose label bears use directions for the control of wood destroying organisms, and including any previously registered pesticide whose use is permitted under the terms of a suspension or cancellation order by the Administrator of EPA or the Commissioner.

(2)	Comprehensive Soil Treatment--means the treatment of soils and masonry voids at or near ground level establishing a chemical treatment zone to protect a structure from attack from termites consistent with the requirements of Rule 620-6-.04(1)(a).

(3)

Conditions Conducive To Infestation-- means conditions that exist in a structure that favor the development of wood destroying organisms. These are limited to: cellulosic material underneath a building, wood in contact with the soil which has not been treated with preservatives to a minimum preservative retention rate designed for ground contact and ventilation of the under-floor space between the bottom of the floor joists and the earth that does not meet the requirements of the International Residential Building Code for one and two family dwellings, the latest edition as adopted and amended by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

(4)	Defined Soil Treatment--means the treatment of select areas of a structure as directed and permitted by a product's label directions to protect a structure from attack from termites consistent with the requirements of Rule 620-6-.04(1)(b).

(5)	Structure--means any building, regardless of its design or the type of material used in its construction, whether public or private, vacant or occupied, and adjacent outside areas.

(6)	Wood Destroying Organisms Control--means the application of any and all measures for the purpose of controlling termites, powder post beetles, wood boring beetles, wood destroying fungi and any other wood destroying organism in structures and/or adjacent outside areas.

Rule 620-6-.02 Contracts

(1)

Every licensee shall issue a written contract to the property owner or owner's agent covering each job of Wood Destroying Organisms Control, setting forth the following:

(a)	The specific type of minimum adequate control measure as defined in 620-6-.04.

(b)	The effective date and the contract period;

(c)	A diagram consisting of a reasonable depiction of the structure(s) to be treated, indicating the location of any visible active or previous infestation;

(d)	The price to be charged, including an estimate of the cost of repairs, replacements or excavation, when such repairs, replacements or excavation are related to the control of Wood Destroying Organisms and are to be performed by the licensee;

(e)

The specific terms of any guaranty or warranty and whether they apply to retreatment or repair of damages. Any contract for Wood Destroying Organism Jobs that offers any type of guaranty or warranty shall contain at the top of the first page one of the following statements, in at least one-eighth (1/8) inch letters and blocked in with a heavy black line:

1.	This contract provides for retreatment of a structure but does not provide for the repair of damages caused by wood destroying organisms.

2.	This contract provides for retreatment of a structure and the repair of damages caused by wood destroying organisms within the limits stated in this contract.

(f)	If the licensee has an approved bond, whether or not the work under the contract is to be covered by the bond, and the details of coverage expressed in terms identical to those in the bond itself;

(g)

Specific conditions for renewal including:

1.	the amount of the renewal fee;

2.	the number of years over which the renewal fee will remain fixed;

3.	whether or not reinspections of the structure(s) under contract are to be made, and the approximate interval.

(h)

Any provision for a limitation of liability based upon any modification or addition to the structure as depicted in the diagram referenced in subsection (b) above shall be set forth in the contract so that the homeowner understands that he is responsible for notifying the pest control company of any modifications or alterations which are made during any contract period.

(i)	Contracts for residential structures, not exceeding two (2) units, may not limit the area to be treated.

(2)

Every Wood Destroying Organism Control contract shall be signed by the property owner or owner's agent prior to performance of any control measures and the three (3) day right of cancellation shall be disclosed to every contractee in accordance with the Fair Business Practices Act of 1975, and rules of the Federal Trade Commission, 16 C.F.R. 429.

(3)

Every Wood Destroying Organism Control contract for treatment which utilizes a bait or baiting system shall contain the following statement in at least one-eighth (1/8) inch letters and blocked in with a heavy black line "The removal of the bait or baiting system may result in a lack of termite protection".

(4)

Subterranean termite control warranty only contracts may not be issued in place of a pre-construction treatment for subterranean termite control. These contracts shall be limited to one and two family dwellings and town homes. Every subterranean termite control contract for a control warranty only, without an initial treatment shall include:

(a)	an initial inspection of the structure including a diagram consisting of a reasonable depiction of the structure(s), indicating the location of any visible previous infestation, date of inspection;

(b)	type of minimum adequate subterranean termite control treatment of the infestation(s) as defined in Rule 620-6-.04 that will be performed beginning with the first occurrence of termite activity

(c)	an annual inspection of the structure

(d)

a statement, in at least one-eighth (1/8) inch letters and blocked in with a heavy black line, that states "This contract provides for the inspection of the structure, future treatment of the structure and for the repair of damages caused by wood destroying organisms within the limits stated in this contract"

(5)

In addition to all other recordkeeping requirements, the licensee shall maintain reports of all monitoring, inspections and/or reinspections of the structure(s), baits or baiting systems and devices under contract. Such reports shall be provided to the property owner and a copy shall be maintained by the licensee for inspection by the enforcement agency, in a reasonable amount of time, for a period of two (2) years. The reports shall include the date of the monitoring, inspection or reinspection, name of the person performing the monitoring, inspection or reinspection and whether or not Wood Destroying Organisms or signs of termite activity were found.

(6)	Copies of all contracts and supporting documentation (pesticide use records, diagrams of the structure and any Official Waiver Forms) shall be maintained by the licensee during the contract period and for a period of two (2) years following the date of expiration of the contract.

Rule 620-6-.03 Official Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report

(1)

The Official Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report shall be the written instrument for the purpose of certifying that a structure is apparently free from wood destroying organisms as a basis for transfer of real property and shall be issued only by a pest control operator certified in Wood Destroying Organisms. Such instrument shall carry a guarantee that, if an infestation of wood destroying organisms from which apparent freedom is certified, is found within ninety (90) days from date of issuance, the infested structure(s) shall be treated by the licensee, free of charge subject to the following:

(a)

Subterranean Termites - Structures will receive a full minimum adequate treatment pursuant to Paragraph 620-6-.04. However, if a structure has received a full minimum adequate treatment within the past one (1) year, a partial treatment may be made to at least 10 feet in either direction of any and all areas of termite infestation except as defined in Rule 620-6-.07(5).

(b)	Powder Post Beetles and Wood Boring Beetles - Structures will receive a minimum adequate treatment pursuant to Paragraph 620-6-.04(3).

(c)	Wood Decaying Fungi - Structures will receive a minimum adequate treatment pursuant to Paragraph 620-6-.04(4).

(d)	Dry Wood Termites - Structures will receive a minimum adequate treatment pursuant to Paragraph 620-6-.04(5).

(2)

For the purpose of this Rule, the form for the Official Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report shall conform to the following format which constitutes a part of this Rule.

OFFICIAL GEORGIA WOOD INFESTATION INSPECTION REPORT

COMPANY NAME ___________________

LICENSE NO. _______________________

ADDRESS _______________________________________

TELEPHONE NO. ____________________

DATE OF ISSUANCE ________________

SELLER ____________________________

INSPECTOR ________________________

FILE NO. ___________________________

PURCHASER(S) ____________________

SCOPE OF INSPECTION

AN INSPECTION OF THE BELOW LISTED STRUCTURE(S) WAS PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED INSPECTOR EMPLOYED BY THIS FIRM TO DETERMINE THE PRESENCE OR PREVIOUS PRESENCE OF AN INFESTATION OF THE LISTED ORGANISMS AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A STRUCTURAL REPORT. NEITHER IS THIS A WARRANTY AS TO ABSENCE OF WOOD DESTROYING ORGANISMS. THIS REPORT IS SUBJECT TO ALL CONDITIONS ENUMERATED ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND IS ISSUED WITHOUT WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN RULE 620-6-.03 OF THE RULES OF THE GEORGIA STRUCTURAL PEST CONTROL ACT OR SUBJECT TO ANY TREATMENT GUARANTEE SPECIFIED BELOW.

MAIN STRUCTURE __________________________________________________

OTHER STRUCTURES (SPECIFY) ______________________________________

ADDRESS OF STRUCTURE(S) _________________________________________

FINDINGS

INSPECTION REVEALS VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF:	ACTIVE INFESTATION		PREVIOUS INFESTATION
INSPECTION REVEALS VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF:	Yes	No	Yes	No
SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES	____	____	____	____
POWDER POST BEETLES	____	____	____	____
WOOD BORING BEETLES	____	____	____	____
DRY WOOD TERMITES	____	____	____	____
WOOD DECAYING FUNGUS (Not Molds and Mildews)	____	____	____	____

WHERE ANY AREAS OF THE STRUCTURE OBSTRUCTED OR INACCESSIBLE?

____ YES ____ NO

IF YES, LIST THESE AREAS (SEE ITEM 3 ON REVERSE SIDE OF FORM)

____________________________________

THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS CONDUCIVE TO INFESTATION FOR WOOD DESTROYING ORGANISMS WERE FOUND AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. THE LOCATION OF THESE CONDITIONS CONDUCIVE TO INFESTATION ARE INDICATED ON THE ATTACHED DIAGRAM:

____________________________________

REMARKS/ADDITIONAL FINDINGS:

____________________________________

NOTE: IF VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF ACTIVE OR PREVIOUS INFESTATION IS REPORTED IT SHOULD BE ASSUMED THAT SOME DEGREE OF DAMAGE IS PRESENT AND A DIAGRAM IDENTIFYING THE STRUCTURE(S) INSPECTED AND SHOWING THE LOCATION OF SUCH EVIDENCE MUST BE ATTACHED TO THIS FORM. EVALUATION OF DAMAGE AND ANY CORRECTIVE ACTION SHOULD BE PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED INSPECTOR IN THE BUILDING TRADE APPROVED BY THE PURCHASER AND LENDING AGENCY.

TREATMENT

THE ABOVE DESCRIBED STRUCTURE(S) WAS TREATED BY THIS COMPANY AS FOLLOWS:

ORGANISM	TREATMENT DATE	CONTRACT EXPIRATION	TYPE TREATMENT (CHEMICAL BARRIER, BAIT, WOOD TREATMENT)
SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES	______	______	______
POWDER POST BEETLES	______	______	______
WOOD BORING BEETLES	______	______	______
DRY WOOD TERMITES	______	______	______
WOOD DECAYING FUNGUS	______	______	______

THE PRESENT TREATMENT WARRANTY(IES) IS:

__________TRANSFERABLE TO ANY SUBSEQUENT OWNER OF THE PROPERTY UPON PAYMENT OF A FEE ON OR BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE.

__________NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY SUBSEQUENT OWNER OF THE PROPERTY.

__________THE ABOVE STRUCTURE(S) ARE NOT COVERED BY A TREATMENT CONTRACT WITH THIS COMPANY.

THIS STRUCTURE HAS A CURRENT OFFICIAL WAIVER FORM ISSUED BY THIS COMPANY ______ Yes ______ NO

IF YES, A COPY MUST BE ATTACHED AS PART OF THIS REPORT.

CERTIFICATION

THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT NEITHER I NOR THE COMPANY HAS HAD OR CONTEMPLATES HAVING ANY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY INVOLVED, NOR IS ACTING IN ANY ASSOCIATION WITH ANY PARTY TO THE TRANSACTION.

____________________________________

SIGNATURE OF DESIGNATED CERTIFIED OPERATOR

____________________________________

SIGNATURE OF PURCHASER OR LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF REPORT

COPIES TO:

_____ PURCHASER _____ MORTGAGEE _____ REALTOR _____ SELLER

Revised 04/14 - Replaces all previous editions

CONDITIONS GOVERNING THIS REPORT

1.	This report is limited to the five organisms listed.

2.	This report covers only those structures listed on the front.

3.

Inspection, including sounding and/or probing, was performed in only those areas which were readily accessible. Inaccessible areas not inspected include, but are not limited to areas obstructed by, floor coverings, wall coverings, siding, fixed ceilings, insulation, furniture, appliances or other personal items. The inspection also included a check of company records to determine if the structure has been treated and/or under renewal contract with the company within the past two years for any of the covered organisms. A copy of any current Exception Form II or Official Waiver form for this structure must be included as part of this report.

4.

Reporting of Wood Destroying Fungi on this report is intended to cover only white rot, brown rot or water conducting fungi infestations which occur below the first floor level. This report does not cover the reporting of molds and mildews. Structural Pest Control companies are not responsible for inspecting for molds.

5.	The term Wood Boring Beetles as used on the reverse side means only those beetles which are known to establish and maintain a continuing infestation in structures, such as, but not limited to the Old House Borer.

6.

Regardless of whether any visible evidence of infestation by any of the listed Wood Destroying Organisms is found during inspection, if an infestation of one or more of these organisms from which apparent freedom was certified is found within 90 days of issuance of this report the property shall receive, free of charge, a minimum adequate treatment for control of the infestation consistent with Rules 620-6-.03(1)(a),(b),(c), and (d) of the Georgia Structural Pest Control Act.

7.

This is not a structural report. A wood destroying organism inspector is not ordinarily a construction or building trade expert and is therefore not expected to assess structural soundness. Evaluation and correction of damage which may have resulted from an active or previous infestation should be performed by a qualified inspector in the building trade, who is approved by the purchaser and the lending agency.

8.	This report implies no responsibility on the part of the Georgia Department of Agriculture or the Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission to enforce or require anything other than treatment or retreatment to the minimum adequate treatment requirements specified in Rule 620-6-.04.

9.

"Conditions Conducive To Infestation" means conditions that exist in a structure that favor the development of wood destroying organisms. These are limited to: cellulosic material underneath a building and wood in contact with the soil which has not been treated with preservatives to a minimum preservative retention designed for ground contact and ventilation of the under-floor space between the bottom of the floor joists and the earth that does not meet the requirements of the International Residential Building Code for one and two family dwellings, the latest edition as adopted and amended by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Any condition conducive to infestation, as defined above, that is known to have existed at the time of inspection and was not reported and is found within 90 days of the issuance date of this report shall be corrected free of charge by the licensee.

Rule 620-6-.04 Control Measures

"Control Measures" means the application of any and all measures for the purpose of controlling termites, powder post beetles, wood boring beetles, wood destroying fungi, and any other wood destroying organism in structures and/or adjacent outside areas. Such measures shall be made with applications and installations consistent with label requirements. Minimum adequate control measures shall be as set forth below.

(1)

Minimum adequate subterranean termite control treatment for post construction shall include the following:

(a)

For pesticide products applied as a comprehensive soil termiticide application consistent with registered label directions:

1.	Removal of all cellulosic material from underneath the building and removal of any other debris which would interfere with inspection or treatment in such area.

2.

Removal of all wooden contacts between buildings and outside soil, other than those wooden supports which have been treated with preservatives to a minimum preservative retention designed for ground contact. The top of all supports for untreated wooden members shall be no closer than six (6) inches to the soil. In no case shall the minimum clearance between untreated wood and soil be less than six (6) inches. This requirement shall apply only to those situations where wood is exposed and by design is not separated from the outside soil line by anything other than air space. Such clearance shall not apply to sill plates or other wooden members of a structure which may be physically closer to the earth than the required clearance but are by design enclosed by and insulated from the earth by brick, stucco or other construction material.

3.

Removal of all wooden contacts between buildings and inside soil, other than those wooden supports which have been treated with preservatives to a minimum preservative retention designed for ground contact. In no case shall the minimum clearance between wood and soil in a crawl space be less than eighteen (18) inches.

4.	Removal of all visible accessible termite tunnels.

5.

Trenching of soil along the outside and inside of foundation walls and around pillars and other supports to a minimum depth of six (6) inches, but not lower than the top of the footing in contact with the soil. Rodding may be performed from the bottom of the trench to lower depths as required. When the top of any footing is exposed and not in contact with the soil, trenching should not extend below the bottom of the footing.

6.

Application of approved termiticide.

(i)

Approved termiticides shall be those registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Under no circumstances shall the concentration applied be lower than the minimum nor greater than the maximum concentration specified on the product label for the termiticide as a soil termiticide application.

(ii)

Rate of application shall be four (4) gallons per ten (10) linear feet per foot of depth from the soil surface to the lesser of either the top of footings or a depth of four (4) feet applied to the trenches and backfill. Soil into which pipes extend from the structure, soil under expansion joints, and soil in any other critical point of potential termite entry must also be treated with the approved termiticide at the above application rate.

(iii)

Measures must be taken to prevent the back siphoning of pesticides and the contamination of public water supplies during dilution and filling operations. Do not apply pesticide while precipitation is occurring in any area where the application would be impacted by the precipitation.

(iv)	Precautions must be taken to prevent the contamination of wells or cisterns, in or close to the structure being treated.

7.

Drilling of all tile, brick, concrete block or other type cavity walls, chimneys, hollow pillars or other similar structure parts and application of the approved termiticide at a rate of two (2) gallons per ten (10) linear feet. Drilling of concrete blocks or other hollow masonry parts shall be made into the large voids only, as opposed to the vertical mortar joints, at horizontal intervals of no more than twelve (12) inches. Application of the termiticide shall be made through drill holes no more than eighteen (18) inches above the lowest of the soil or slab surfaces contiguous to the opposite side of the vertical wall. In the case of uncapped hollow parts, the termiticide may be applied through the top opening, provided the termiticide is released no higher than eighteen (18) inches above the top of the footing.

8.

Treatment of the entire inside perimeter walls of all earth filled porches beneath concrete slabs contiguous to the structure with an approved termiticide at the rate of four (4) gallons per ten (10) linear feet by one of the following:

(i)	Making access openings, by removing a six (6) inch band of soil along the entire inside perimeter walls and applying the termiticide in the trench.

(ii)	Drilling from the top of the entire perimeter of the slab at intervals of no more than twelve (12) inches and no more than twelve (12) inches from the perimeter wall and applying the termiticide.

(iii)

Drilling, rodding, and applying the approved termiticide from the inside of the foundation at no more than twelve (12) inch intervals along the entire inside perimeter and as close as possible to the lower edge of the slab.

(iv)	Drilling, rodding, and applying the approved termiticide from the sides of the earth fill along the entire perimeter provided no horizontal rodding distance shall exceed twenty (20) feet.

9.

Treatment of all grade level slabs contiguous to the structure with an approved termiticide at the rate of four (4) gallons per ten (10) linear feet by drilling and applying along the entire distance where slab joins any part of structure at intervals of no more than twelve (12) inches and no more than twelve (12) inches from the structure wall.

10.

Treatment of all structures with concrete slabs at or above grade level with an approved termiticide at the rate of four (4) gallons per ten (10) linear feet by one of the following:

(i)

Treating from the inside by drilling through from the top of the slab and applying the approved termiticide at intervals of no more than twelve (12) inches and no more than twelve (12) inches from the outside edge of slab along the entire perimeter and at all other points of potential termite entry through the slab. After such application all holes shall be securely sealed to prevent any upward movement of the termiticide.

(ii)	Treating from the outside by rodding and applying termiticide along and under the entire perimeter of the slab by inserting the rod as close as possible to the lower edge of the slab.

11.	Treatment of monolithic slabs by trenching and application of the approved termiticide to the soil along the entire perimeter of the slab at the rate of four (4) gallons per ten (10) linear feet and to any openings through the slab.

(b)

For pesticide products allowing a defined soil treatment consistent with individual product registered label directions:

1.	Removal of all cellulosic material from underneath the building and removal of any other debris which would interfere with inspection or treatment in such area.

2.

Removal of all wooden contacts between buildings and outside soil other than those wooden supports which have been treated with preservatives to a minimum preservative retention designed for ground contact. The top of all supports for untreated wooden members shall be no closer than six (6) inches to the soil. In no case shall the minimum clearance between untreated wood and soil be less than six (6) inches. This requirement shall apply only to those situations where wood is exposed and by design is not separated from the outside soil line by anything other than air space. Such clearance shall not apply to sill plates or other wooden members of a structure which may be physically closer to the earth than the required clearance but are by design enclosed by and insulated from the earth by brick, stucco or other construction material.

3.

Removal of all wooden contacts between buildings and inside crawl space soil, other than those wooden supports which have been treated with preservatives to a minimum preservative retention designed for ground contact. In no case shall the minimum clearance between wood and soil in a crawl space be less than eighteen (18) inches.

4.	Removal of visible accessible termite tunnels unless specified on the product label.

5.

Application of approved termiticide.

(i)	Approved termiticides shall be those registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

(ii)	Trenching of soil along the outside foundation walls to a minimum depth of six (6) inches, but not lower than the bottom of the footing in contact with the soil. Rodding may be performed from the bottom of the trench to lower depths as required.

(iii)

Treatment of all grade level slabs and earth filled porches beneath concrete slabs that are contiguous to the exterior of the structure, including any garage or carport slabs, with an approved termiticide by drilling and applying along the entire distance where slab joins any part of structure at intervals of no more than twelve (12) inches and no more than twelve (12) inches from the structure wall.

(iv)	Measures must be taken to prevent the back siphoning of pesticides and the contamination of public water supplies during dilution and filling operations. Do not apply pesticide while precipitation is occurring in any area where the application would be impacted by the precipitation.

(v)	Precautions must be taken to prevent the contamination of wells or cisterns, in or close to the structure being treated.

(c)

For pesticide products, other than baits designed for the control of termites, applied for purposes other than as a soil termiticide application and when applied consistent with individual product registered label directions:

1.	Removal of all cellulosic material from underneath the building and removal of any other debris which would interfere with inspection or treatment in such area.

2.

Removal of all wooden contacts between buildings and outside soil other than those wooden supports which have been treated with preservatives to a minimum preservative retention designed for ground contact. The top of all supports for untreated wooden members shall be no closer than six (6) inches to the soil. In no case shall the minimum clearance between untreated wood and soil be less than six (6) inches. This requirement shall apply only to those situations where wood is exposed and by design is not separated from the outside soil line by anything other than air space. Such clearance shall not apply to sill plates or other wooden members of a structure which may be physically closer to the earth than the required clearance but are by design enclosed by and insulated from the earth by brick, stucco or other construction material.

3.

Removal of all wooden contacts between buildings and inside crawl space soil, other than those wooden supports which have been treated with preservatives to a minimum preservative retention designed for ground contact. In no case shall the minimum clearance between wood and soil in a crawl space be less than eighteen (18) inches.

4.	Removal of visible accessible termite tunnels unless specified on the product label.

5.

Application of approved termiticide, taking all precautions necessary to prevent the contamination of wells or cisterns, in or close to the structure being treated. Unless prohibited by the product's label directions, all applications of liquid pesticide applied to the surface of non-decorative or non-finished wood and/or sheathing shall include a sufficient amount of a dye or marker to readily indicate the areas that have been treated.

(d)

For pesticide bait products applied for the purpose of controlling termites:

1.	Removal of all cellulosic material from underneath the building and removal of any other debris which would interfere with inspection or treatment in such area.

2.

Removal of all wooden contacts between buildings and outside soil, other than those wooden supports which have been treated with preservatives to a minimum preservative retention designed for ground contact. The top of all supports for untreated wooden members shall be no closer than six (6) inches to the soil. In no case shall the minimum clearance between untreated wood and soil be less than six (6) inches. This requirement shall apply only to those situations where wood is exposed and by design is not separated from the outside soil line by anything other than air space. Such clearance shall not apply to sill plates or other wooden members of a structure which may be physically closer to the earth than the required clearance but are by design enclosed by and insulated from the earth by brick, stucco or other construction material.

3.

Removal of all wooden contacts between buildings and inside crawl space soil, other than those wooden supports which have been treated with preservatives to a minimum preservative retention designed for ground contact. In no case shall the minimum clearance between wood and soil in a crawl space be less than eighteen (18) inches.

4.	Removal of visible accessible termite tunnels unless specified on the product label.

5.

All termite baits and baiting systems shall be monitored, consistent with the products label and labeling directions, for a minimum period of one year at no additional cost to the property owner when installed for pre-construction treatments or for treatments to control an infestation found during the coverage period of an Official Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report.

6.	The initial installation of a baiting system shall include a reasonable depiction of the structure noting the approximate locations of all bait or monitoring stations. This diagram shall be maintained for two (2) years past the expiration date of the contract.

7.

In addition to all other record keeping requirements, each time there is an inspection or monitoring of a baiting system, the licensee shall record the following:

(a)	date of the inspection

(b)	results of the inspection for each station

(c)	notation of any stations that were not able to be monitored

(d)	notation of any additional stations that have been added

8.

Application of an approved termiticide bait consistent with all product label directions.

(i)	Approved termiticide bait shall be those registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

(2)

Minimum adequate subterranean termite control treatments for pre-construction treatments shall include the following:

(a)

For pesticide products applied as a soil termiticide application consistent with registered label and labeling directions:

1.	Removal of all cellulosic material from underneath the building and removal of any other debris which would interfere with inspection or treatment in such area.

2.

Removal of all wooden contacts between buildings and outside soil, other than those wooden supports which are known to have been treated with preservatives to a minimum preservative retention designed for ground contact. The top of all supports for untreated wooden members shall be no closer than six (6) inches to the soil. In no case shall the minimum clearance between untreated wood and soil be less than six (6) inches. This requirement shall apply only to those situations where wood is exposed and by design is not separated from the outside soil line by anything other than air space. Such clearance shall not apply to sill plates or other wooden members of a structure which may be physically closer to the earth than the required clearance but are by design enclosed by and insulated from the earth by brick, stucco or other construction material.

3.

Removal of all wooden contacts between buildings and inside crawl space soil, other than those wooden supports which have been treated with preservatives to a minimum preservative retention designed for ground contact. In no case shall the minimum clearance between wood and soil in a crawl space be less than eighteen (18) inches.

4.

Application of approved termiticide.

(i)

Approved termiticides shall be those registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Under no circumstances shall the concentration applied be lower than the minimum nor greater than the maximum concentration specified on the product label for the termiticide used as a soil termiticide application. For each application a separate graph of the structure showing the specific areas treated, including any utility areas, shall be prepared. Such graph shall indicate the linear footage of the structure, total square footage of the structure and the volume applied to each area.

(ii)

Rate of application shall be four (4) gallons per ten (10) linear feet per foot of depth from the soil surface to the lesser of either the top of footings or a depth of four (4) feet applied to the trenches and backfill. Soil into which pipes extend from the structure, soil under expansion joints, and soil in any other critical point of potential termite entry must also be treated with an approved termiticide at the above application rate. In all treatments, the final termiticide application must be completed within ninety (90) days after the earlier of:

(1)	the granting of a local "certificate of occupancy" or other like certification that the structure is approved for occupancy;

(2)	the actual occupancy of the structure by owner, tenant, or otherwise;

(3)	the closing of a permanent loan on the structure; or

(4)	the completion of backfilling by the building contractor or owner.

(iii)

Rate of application shall be two (2) gallons per ten (10) linear feet to all tile, brick, concrete block or other type cavity walls, chimneys, hollow pillars or other similar structure parts.

(iv)	Rate of application to the fill under residential slab structures not exceeding two (2) units shall be at the minimum rate of one (1) gallon per ten (10) square feet.

(v)	Measures must be taken to prevent the back siphoning of pesticides and the contamination of public water supplies during dilution and filling operations. Do not apply pesticide while precipitation is occurring in any area where the application would be impacted by the precipitation.

(vi)	Precautions must be taken to prevent the contamination of wells or cisterns in or close to the structure being treated.

(b)

For pesticide products or devices applied for the purpose of controlling termites other than as a soil termiticide application:

1.	Removal of all cellulosic material from underneath the building and removal of any other debris which would interfere with inspection or treatment in such area.

2.

Removal of all wooden contacts between buildings and outside soil, other than those wooden supports which have been treated with preservatives to a minimum preservative retention rate designed for ground contact. The top of all supports for untreated wooden members shall be no closer than six (6) inches to the soil. In no case shall the minimum clearance between untreated wood and soil be less than six (6) inches. This requirement shall apply only to those situations where wood is exposed and by design is not separated from the outside soil line by anything other than air space. Such clearance shall not apply to sill plates or other wooden members of a structure which may be physically closer to the earth than the required clearance but are by design enclosed by and insulated from the earth by brick, stucco or other construction material.

3.

Removal of all wooden contacts between buildings and inside soil, other than those wooden supports which have been treated with preservatives to a minimum preservative retention designed for ground contact. In no case shall the minimum clearance between wood and soil in a crawl space be less than eighteen (18) inches.

4.	Removal of visible accessible termite tunnels unless specified on the product label.

5.

Application of the approved termiticide or device consistent with all product label directions. Unless prohibited by the product's label directions, all applications of liquid pesticide applied to the surface of non-decorative or non-finished wood and/or sheathing shall include a sufficient amount of a dye or marker to readily indicate the areas that have been treated.

(3)

Minimum adequate treatment for pesticide product applied as an alternate application technique, as defined in Rule 620-2-.01(d), for subterranean termite control treatments made consistent with label directions shall include the following:

(a)	Removal of all cellulosic material from underneath the building and removal of any other debris which would interfere with inspection or treatment in such area.

(b)

Removal of all wooden contacts between buildings and outside soil other than those wooden supports which have been treated with preservatives to a minimum preservative retention designed for ground contact. The top of all supports for untreated wooden members shall be no closer than six (6) inches to the soil. In no case shall the minimum clearance between untreated wood and soil be less than six (6) inches. This requirement shall apply only to those situations where wood is exposed and by design is not separated from the outside soil line by anything other than air space. Such clearance shall not apply to sill plates or other wooden members of a structure which may be physically closer to the earth than the required clearance but are by design enclosed by and insulated from the earth by brick, stucco, or other construction material.

(c)

Removal of all wooden contacts between buildings and inside crawl space soil, other than those wooden supports which have been treated with preservatives to a minimum preservative retention designed for ground contact. In no case shall the minimum clearance between wood and soil in a crawl space be less than eighteen (18) inches.

(d)	Removal of visible accessible termite tunnels unless specified on the product label.

(e)	Application of approved termiticide, taking all precautions necessary to prevent the contamination of wells or cisterns in or close to the structure being treated.

(f)	Treatment applications must include all areas as specified in Rule 620-6-.04(1)(a), 620-6-.04(1)(b), or 620-6-.04(2)(a) except the area beneath concrete slabs of earth filled porches as specified in 620-6-.04(1)(b)5(iii).

(4)

Minimum adequate treatment for control or prevention of wood boring beetles, including powder post beetles, wood borers, and old house borers, shall include the application of a pesticide registered by EPA and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, in strict accordance with the product's registered directions for use. When infestation is located in a crawl space, treatment shall include the installation of a polyethylene or other water impervious vapor barrier to at least seventy (70) percent of the exposed soil surface in the enclosed space and ensure that ventilation meets the current requirements of the International Residential Building Code, the latest edition as adopted and amended by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

(5)

Minimum adequate treatment for control or prevention of wood destroying fungi shall include the following:

(a)

When infestation is located in a crawl space, treatment shall include the installation of a polyethylene or other water impervious vapor barrier to at least seventy (70) percent of the exposed soil surface in the enclosed space and ensure that ventilation meets the current requirements of the International Residential Building Code, the latest edition as adopted and amended by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

(b)

In addition to the above requirements, when an infestation of water conducting fungi is located in a crawl space, control measures shall include the following:

1.	Cut the visible rhizomorphs and scrape visible fungal growth from the foundation walls

2.	Removal of all wooden contacts between buildings and inside crawl space soil, other than those wooden supports which have been treated with preservatives to a minimum preservative retention designed for ground contact.

(6)

Minimum adequate treatment for control of dry wood termites shall include the application of an approved pesticide in strict accordance with the product's registered directions for use, or other such methods or techniques which, to the satisfaction of the Commission, have been demonstrated to be effective in controlling this pest.

Rule 620-6-.05 Inspection

The enforcement agency may inspect any property or structure treated or being treated for the control of wood destroying organisms and may collect samples of any treated material including soil to determine if treatment conforms to the Minimum Adequate Subterranean Termite Control as specified in this Chapter. Samples shall be taken as follows and analyzed by methods approved by the Commissioner:

(a)	A single unit of use of the pesticide as purchased or a representative sample of the pesticide shall be taken from the original container in which it was purchased.

(b)	A minimum of four (4) ounces of the diluted solution or emulsion shall be taken from the tank or sprayer in which the diluted pesticide is stored or from which it is being applied.

(c)

A composite sample shall be taken for assay from any soil required to be treated for the control of termites under the provisions of this Chapter to determine if treatment conforms to the minimum requirements, as follows:

1.

A subsample or core shall be taken from each ten (10) linear feet of treated soil or fraction thereof, up to a maximum of thirty (30) cores, along the inside and outside of the foundation wall, along the perimeter of the slab, or from the treated areas around pillars, chimneys and the like. In cases where treated area exceeds 300 linear feet, the thirty (30) cores shall be equally spaced throughout the treated area.

2.	Cores shall be taken at approximately ten (10) foot intervals and shall be taken no more than four (4) inches from the foundation wall or other structural part.

3.	Approximately two (2) inches of soil shall be removed from the soil surface where each core is to be taken.

4.	A vertical core approximately three quarters of an inch (3/4") in diameter and four (4) inches deep shall be taken.

5.	All cores shall be composited in a polyethylene bag, sealed, labeled and sent to the Enforcement Agency for chemical analysis.

6.

Any termite treatment, applied for the purpose of creating a soil barrier, shall be considered inadequate and the entire structure shall be retreated by the licensee within thirty (30) days after notification to the licensee by the Enforcement Agency, if within six (6) months from the date treatment is completed the composite sampling of the treated area is found to have a termiticide residue less than one (1) part per million for each 0.01% of the treatment solution applied. In no case shall the pesticide solution applied be less than the minimum concentration specified on the product label.

Rule 620-6-.06 Reports

(1)

All Designated Certified Operators shall maintain by month records covering all Wood Destroying Organisms jobs completed, each Official Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report issued and each new contract issued on the basis of a previous treatment. Such records shall include the information listed below, shall be retained in the office of the Licensee for at least two (2) years from the date the record is created and shall be open to inspection by or furnished to the Commission or Commissioner upon request:

(a)	The name of the owner and the complete physical address of the treated structure;

(b)	The pest(s) and type of structure treated;

(c)	The date the job or inspection was completed;

(d)	Notation of any deviation from the Minimum Adequate Treatment Standards as prescribed in 620-6-.04, along with an Official Waiver form signed by the property owner or his agent.

(2)	Within thirty (30) days of a request by the Commission or Commissioner, Licensee shall provide a compilation of information contained in the above records for any specific portion of the two (2) year retention period.

Rule 620-6-.07 Correction of Deviations

(1)

On every Wood Destroying Organism job which it inspects, the Enforcement Agency shall provide the Designated Certified Operator with an Inspection and WDO Corrective Action Report detailing any apparent deviations from the Minimum Adequate Treatment Standards found by an inspector, and which are not covered by an Official Waiver of the Minimum Treatment Standards for the Control of Subterranean Termites. The Waiver Form shall contain all of the following information and shall be equivalent to the following format:

OFFICIAL WAIVER

of the Georgia Minimum Treatment Standards for the Control of Subterranean Termites

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS/AGENT

DO NOT SIGN THIS DOCUMENT UNTIL YOU HAVE READ AND SIGNED "CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF OFFICIAL WAIVER OF THE MINIMUM TREATMENT STANDARDS FOR THE CONTROL OF SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES" ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS DOCUMENT. THESE "CONDITIONS" MUST BE CONSIDERED PART OF THIS DOCUMENT. YOU MUST RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS REPORT AND SUPPORTING GRAPH AT TIME OF SIGNING OR SERVICE.

Name of Company ____________________

Address of Company _____________________________________________________

Owner of Property ____________________

Inspector name and certification/registration number _____________________________

Address of Structure Treated - Note: A separate Official Waiver is required for each individual structure. Reproductions of the Official Waiver for multiple structures is not acceptable.

________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number of Property Owner/Agent ____________________________________

Indicate with a check mark those items that do NOT meet the minimum treatment standards.

TERMITE CONTROL

SOIL TREATMENTS - Note: For defined post construction soil treatments and preconstruction soil treatments, only items # 1, 2, and 3 are applicable.

Type of treatment - Check one

Comprehensive post construction soil treatment _____

Defined post construction soil treatments _____

Pre-construction soil treatment _____

Date Job Completed ________ NO

1.	All debris removed _________

2.	Wooden contacts removed or insulated _________

3.	Crawl space clearance 18 inches or greater _________

4.	Termite tunnels removed _________

5.	Foundation adequately trenched/rodded and treated _________

6.	Voids adequately drilled/treated _________

7.	Earth filled porches adequately drilled/treated _________

8.	Contiguous slabs adequately drilled/treated _________

9.	Slabs at/above grade adequately drilled/treated _________

10.	Monolithic slabs adequately treated _________

Non Soil Pesticide, Device, Bait or Baiting System - Note: All items pertain to both post-construction and pre-construction applications.

Date Job Completed ________ NO

1.	All debris removed _________

2.	Wooden contacts removed _________

3.

Barrier or baiting system installed consistent with label directions _________

Explain in detail what areas of the structure do not meet treatment standards and why it is not possible to meet these treatment standards. Also, attach a graph indicating the area(s) that were not treated to minimum standards. Failure to attach a graph and provide a detailed written explanation will void this document. Use other side if necessary.

____________________________________

Signature of Property Owner/Agent _________________________

Date ____________

Revised 04/14 - Replaces all previous editions

CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF THE OFFICIAL WAIVER OF THE MINIMUM TREATMENT STANDARDS FOR THE CONTROL OF SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES

1.	The Official Waiver of the Minimum Treatment Standards for the Control of Subterranean Termites is intended to be used ONLY in situations where it is not possible or practical to meet the minimum treatment standards established by the Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission.

2.

The Official Waiver of the Minimum Treatment Standards for the Control of Subterranean Termites is not to be used to bypass the minimum treatment standards nor is it used to notify any agency of government that a termite treatment has been completed. For defined post construction soil treatments and preconstruction soil treatments; only items # 1, 2, and 3 are applicable.

3.	By signing this document the property owner/agent acknowledges that the property identified will not receive a complete minimum treatment. Signing this document does not affect the terms of any guarantee between the property owner and the pest control company.

4.	Each "no" must be explained in detail in the area provided on the front of this document as to specifically what areas of the structure do not meet the treatment standards and why it is not possible to meet these treatment standards. Additional space is provided below.

5.

All sections of this document must be filled out completely. Failure to comply with this requirement or failure to provide the explanation required in "Condition #4" above will constitute a violation involving misuse of this form and may render it void.

Additional Explanations

____________________________________

Signature of Property Owner/Agent_________________________

Date ____________

Revised 04/14 - Replaces all previous editions

The Licensee shall return the Inspection and WDO Corrective Action Report to the Enforcement Agency within thirty (30) days of its receipt confirming to the Enforcement Agency that all reported deviations from the Minimum Adequate Treatment Standards have been corrected.

(2)

The Enforcement Agency may require the licensee to retreat with an approved termiticide any structure(s) initially treated with a registered pesticide as a soil termiticide application, which it finds within five (5) years after the initial treatment was not treated in accordance with the Minimum Adequate Treatment Standard, which were in effect on the date of initial treatment, whether or not such structure has been under renewal contract by the licensee beyond the original treatment contract period. If, however, a structure has been under continuous contract for more than five (5) years after initial treatment, retreatment may be required by the Enforcement Agency should inadequacies in the Minimum Adequate Treatment Standards be detected within two (2) years after the expiration date of such contract.

(3)

On all termite control treatments involving monitoring with a non-pesticidal bait or a registered pesticidal bait, or with any other similar pesticide, when the pesticidal bait or other pesticide is contained in its own receptacle and is not applied directly to the structure or used as a soil termiticide application, the Enforcement Agency may require the licensee to correct any deviations from the Minimum Adequate Treatment Standards in effect on the date of initial treatment. Such requirements may be made at any time the Enforcement Agency finds such deviations within five (5) years of the initial treatment, or if the structure(s) has been under continuous contract for more than five (5) years, corrections may be required by the Enforcement Agency within two (2) years of the expiration date of the contract. It should be understood that correction of deviations apply only to the removal of cellulosic debris, wood to earth contact, and removal of accessible termite tunnels and does not apply to the reinstallation of monitoring or toxic ant baits or other pesticide treatments which may have been removed as a condition of the initial contract.

(4)

The Enforcement Agency may inspect, for regulatory purposes, any structure within five (5) years of the initial verifiable treatment, or if the structure(s) has been under continuous contract for more than five (5) years, within two (2) years of the expiration date of the contract. The Enforcement Agency may inspect, for regulatory purposes, any structure having an Official Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report issued within two (2) years of the issuance of the Report.

(5)

Any structure under contract with a licensee found by either the licensee or the Enforcement Agency to have three or more separate areas of active infestation from subterranean termites within a five (5) year period shall receive a complete retreatment in accordance with the Minimum Adequate Treatment Standards.

(6)

The Enforcement Agency may require the licensee to treat, consistent with the requirements of Rule 620-6-.04, any structure which it finds was not treated consistent with the requirements of Rule 620-6-.04 or any structure which it finds an active infestation covered under a current warranty contract for Wood Destroying Organisms Control.

Full Name:
Human verification: 5 + 8 =