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

On December 6, 1998, I sent a fax to the Idaho Department of Agriculture requesting the following:

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 is currently one Terminix aka Terminix International branch in the state of Idaho.

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

In response to my request, I received a letter from the State of Idaho Department of Agriculture, Division of Agricultural Resources, stating:

The total number of complaints filed against Terminex with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture is two (2). The time period of these complaints was March 1995 (Investigation 95030) and December 1997 (Investigation 98049). Please contact Robert Spencer, Agrichemical Specialist, Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Division of Agricultural Resources, P.O. Box 790, Boise, ID 83701 to obtain copies of these two files as provided for under the Idaho Public Records Law.

On February 22, 1999, I mailed a letter to Mr. Spencer asking the questions below. In a letter dated March 2, 1999, Mr. Spencer stated:

Due to the amount and type of information requested more time is necessary to process your request.  The Department will respond to your request within ten working days from the date your request was received.

Mr. Spencer provided the answers in a letter dated March 11, 1999.

• What is the name and address of Idaho’s pest inspection/pest control licensing and regulating agency?

Idaho State Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 7723 CRT
Boise, ID  83707

• How many years does Idaho’s licensing and regulating agency maintain records of complaints against pest control/pest inspection companies?

8 years

• How many Terminix branches are currently operating in Idaho? (My records, taken from the Yellow Pages on the Internet, indicate there is only one Terminix; aka Terminix International branch operating in Idaho.)

One branch.

• How many complaints, if any, have been filed in Idaho against Terminix International (and its aka’s); including the nature of the complaints, name and location of Terminix branch involved; and disposition of complaints (dismissed, settled, fine, suspended or revoked license, probation, etc.)?

2 complaints:

• Investigation 95030 - Complaint concerning baiting for pigeons; was bait being used properly. No action initiated.
• Investigation 98049 - Complaint alleging individuals making applications without proper certification.  No action initiated.