How many complaints against Terminix have been filed in Georgia? How does the State of Georgia rate as a public agency in providing information to the public and/or in their own knowledge of pest control businesses that spray toxic chemicals in homes?

On December 6, 1998, I sent an e-mail letter to Georgia’s Department of Agriculture stating:

I am currently researching the number of complaints filed with each state’s licensing/regulating agency against Terminix, one of the nation’s largest pest inspection and pest control companies.  My records indicate there are currently 26 Terminix aka Terminix International aka Terminix Pest Control aka Terminix Pest Protection branches in the state of Georgia.

Please let me know the total number complaints filed against Terminix with the regulatory agency in Georgia and during what time period or whom to contact for the information.

The following was received in an e-mail letter December 8, 1998, from James P. Harron, Director, Structural Pest Control Division, which stated:

Please be advised that we do not track the specific information that you are requesting. However, our files are open for review by the public and you would be able to compile such information yourself.

After replying to Mr. Harron’s letter, informing him that living in California makes reviewing Georgia’s files cost prohibitive, I received the following response from him:

Unfortunately, we simply do not track the specific information that you have requested.  To generate this information, a member of our clerical staff would need to spend an undetermined number of hours researching the matter. As I have previously indicated, our files are open for review by the public. Since you have stated that it would be “cost prohibitive” for you personally to review these files, I might suggest that you make arrangements with someone in this area to conduct this research for you.

GA Agriculture Dept. to Cite Exterminating Company for Misusing Pesticides.  April 8, 2003, press release issued by the Georgia Department of Agriculture:

Georgia Department of Agriculture
Tommy T. Irvin, Commissioner
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 656-3689

ATLANTA – Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin announced this morning that the Georgia Department of Agriculture would be citing Terminix International, Fortson, Georgia, for violations of the state's Structural Pest Control Act. The violations involve applications of pesticides at Muscogee County schools, Troy State University in Ft. Benning and Columbus, and St. Luke's Methodist Church Childcare in Columbus.

"We have discovered numerous violations, including improper treating of food areas, public areas, locker rooms and restrooms," said Commissioner Irvin.  The violations came to light during an inspection of the company records.

"We will be citing the company for a settlement conference to discuss these issues," said Irvin. "These are serious and disturbing allegations that need to be addressed."