Georgia Commissioner Comments on Flooding and Potential Pest Problems

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary W. Black and the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Structural Pest Division urge homeowners to reevaluate their property’s pest control solutions after Hurricane Matthew.

The wind and storm surge along the Georgia coast destroyed many homes and businesses. The high volume of water entering homes will require many homes in this area to rebuild or repair the damage. Any wood that came in contact with water is attractive to termites. Through the clean-up process the soil applied termite treatments protecting the structure may have been disturbed.

“I would like to encourage property owners affected by the recent storms to check for any potential property damage, especially subterranean termites,” Commissioner Black says.
Derrick Lastinger, Program Director of the Structural Pest Division at the Georgia Department of Agriculture, has received a high volume of questions from Georgia coastal consumers regarding their current protection against termites. A licensed pest management company can determine if the soil applied termite treatment is currently protecting your property or if retreatment is necessary.

Retreatment will be needed if there is movement of the foundation or adjacent slabs such as patios or walkways. Any reconstruction of landscaping that disturbs the treated soil may compromise the overall protection of the structure.

Property owners should review their termite control contract to determine who is responsible for the reestablishment of the termite protection, which should be listed under the ‘terms and conditions’ within the contract. Contact should be made with the insurance company to determine if the termite retreatment is covered.

Consumers are urged to only seek advice and use licensed professional pest control companies. If a company is not licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, it is illegal for them to practice termite control work in Georgia.