Bug Bytes Volume 9 Issue 15

Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission
August 13, 2024
 

In Attendance: Chris Gorecki, Chair; Derrick Lastinger, Vice-Chairman; Christy Kuriatnyk, Dr. Brian Forschler, Bodine Sinyard, Greg Holley, and Kim Bragg.

Old Minutes-Approved as provided.

UGA Urban Entomology Update-Dr Brian Forschler
Classes begin August 14 at UGA. The UGA Griffin Workshops occurring this month include 2 IPM Workshops and a Termite webinar. 
Pest control professionals are encouraged to report findings of Formosan Termites to the UGA Athens Entomology Department.  Data is being gathered on this species for reporting and research measures.
Armyworms seem to be active earlier than normal throughout the state and they are numerous near water.  SiteOne Landscape Supply has information on how to treat this issue.
The Economic Impact Study done by grad student Jacob Winkle of UGA, is being used as a guide and other states are following suit in pursuing this data in their own states. 

Georgia Department of Agriculture Update-Derrick Lastinger
The GDA has had several inquiries regarding Joro spider treatment and if treatment can be performed under the CAT 41 license.  To treat the target pest, Joro spiders, service providers must have an HPC license.
A new Legislative Building will be built next door to the Dept of Ag building in Atlanta which will require the Department staff to be relocated.  The GDA office is scheduled to move to a location on the opposite side of the Capitol building on September 15.  This will be the location for at least a year or more.
Homeowners’ associations have reached out to the GDA about the posting of yard signs after treatment stating that this is against their covenants. 
The UGA Economic Impact study is being used for reference in the GDA’s strategic planning requests.

Compliance/Enforcement-Tim Taylor
An unlicensed operator who has been advertising services and unregistered products on social media was provided an Administrative Order, and a Cease-and-Desist letter.  These efforts did not deter continued marketing efforts.  The case has been turned over to the EPA to pursue resolutions.

Certification/Training-Ali Ikner
The GDA had a summer intern this year.  She purged old files to prepare for the GDA move, helped in consumer outreach events and office tasks.  The Buzz has a write-up of her participation this summer.
The IT Dept has been working on making several processes streamlined and forms fillable online for the GDA website.  This is an ongoing project.

Outreach- Kenzie Bradshaw
The Department staff are involved in the UGA Griffin Home IPM, School IPM, and Termite Workshops this Fall.  Other conferences on the schedule include:  GPCA North GA Conference, CPCO of GA Fall Conference, the GA National Fair and Ray Day.

New Companies-Ali Ikner
1. Hornes Pest Control change to Massey Services
2. Second location for Hornes Pest Control change to Massey Services
3. Peachtree Pest Control change to Purcor .
4. Second location for Peachtree Pest Control change to Purcor.
5. New Company-A Plus Pest Management-Approved
6. New Company-Gwinnett Pest Solutions-Approved pending submission of another company name.
7. New Company-AllAbout Pest Solutions-Approved
8. New Branch-Aptive Environmental LLC-Approved
9. New Company-Nantahala Pest Control-Approved pending more information.
10. New Company-Leighty Home Pros LLC-Approved pending more information.
11. New Company-Mira Home LLC-Approved
12. New Company-Hybrid Pest Management-Approved pending more information

Yellow-Legged Hornet Update-Derrick Lastinger
There continues to be a statewide outreach to inform pest control companies about the yellow-legged hornet.

Rules-Making Update
The Rules & Regulations of the GA Structural Pest Control Commission will be reviewed for typos, updates on new federal resource references and other grammatical corrections.  Also, the rules are being modified to reflect the requirements of the Certification & Training Rule.  Those in the industry are encouraged to submit suggestions to the GDA.  GPCA will be requesting all suggestions from the membership be sent to glenda@gpca.org.  Please include the Rule Number, the current rule language, the proposed language, and an issue/justification statement. 

Fall In-Person  Commission Meeting
The October 8 meeting will be held in Tifton, GA.  More details to come.

Legislative Update-Trip Martin
An issue that is causing higher settlements in many areas of the country.  Trial lawyers are joining with hedge funds to package lawsuits.  This 3^rd party litigation funding plaintiffs to go against defendants is causing settlements to go up.  Currently, 10 states are requiring some type of disclosure to identify third-party affiliation in lawsuits.

NPMA Update-Rick Bell
The Farm Bill will not likely be passed this Fall due to limited time in this Election season. 
California now has legislation banning 1^st Gen Rodenticides.

The Meeting was adjourned at 11:25am.