Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 209 - Arkansas Agriculture Department
Division 02 - State Plant Board
Rule 209.02.19-004 - Arkansas Pest Control Law Rules and Regulations

(1) "Agent" means any person registered with the board, by a licensed operator, to solicit or sell pest control service, which the operator is licensed to perform. Including the signing of contracts, making inspections for the purpose of servicing or continuing contracts, and supervising workers and working crews in carrying out pest control service, when so designated by the licensed operator, or except as may be limited by the State Plant Board in its rules and regulations made under authority of this chapter. This is not to be construed as relieving the licensed operator in any way of being responsible for personal and direct supervision of all work performed under his license;

(2) "Applicant" means any person making application for a license to engage in pest control service work.

(3) "Board" means the State Plant Board;

(4) "Commercial applicator" means a person who has demonstrated, by written examination, his knowledge of the nature and effect of pesticides and how to use, supervise the use, or demonstrate the use of restricted-use pesticides, as defined by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, safely and properly. Qualification as a commercial applicator shall be integral to qualification as a licensed operator or qualified operator and vice versa;

(5) "Director" means the Director of the State Plant Board;

(6) "FIFRA" means the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended, which classifies, regulates, and provides for the certification of all users of restricted-use pesticides, as defined in that act, including all persons who engage in commercial and noncommercial pest control service work;

(7) "Fungi or rot control responsibility" means that the license holder or licensed operator shall be held responsible for fungi or rot control only on substructure timbers such as sills, sub-sills, piers, floor joists, sub-floors, and floors;

(8) "Household pest and rodent" means any mammal, bird, arthropod, or reptile that may infest or invade a home or other buildings or the immediate area around or under a home or buildings, other than wood-damaging or wood-destroying insects, fungi, or organisms;

(9) "License holder" means the person, firm, or corporation to which a license is issued, the person being himself a licensed operator or there being one (1) or more licensed operators in the employ of the person, firm, or corporation;

(10) "Licensed operator" means a person who has fully qualified and has passed the board's written examination and has in force a valid license from the board to engage in the work indicated in the license. The person shall also have met the requirements of and be eligible for certification under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and state law as a commercial applicator;

(11) "Noncommercial applicator" means any person who uses, supervises the use of, or demonstrates the use of a restricted-use pesticide in any classification on his own or his employer's property who does not hold himself out as being engaged for compensation in pest control service work;

(12) "Person" means an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, organization, association, or any combination thereof, whether or not incorporated;

(13) "Pest control service" means any person who, for compensation, gives advice or engages in work to prevent, control, or repel arthropods, mammals, birds, reptiles, or wood-damaging or wood-destroying organisms that may invade or infest homes, other buildings, or similar structures and shall include arthropods, mammals, birds, reptiles, weeds, and plant diseases that may invade, infest, or infect shade trees, shrubs, lawns, turf, and pecan groves. This term shall also include any person who issues letters of clearance, or who shall solicit such work in any manner, but the term shall not be construed to include agricultural crops from planting to harvest other than those mentioned above;

(14) "Qualified operator" means a person who has fully qualified and has passed the board's written examination working under the bond and insurance of a license holder or licensed operator instead of his own. The person shall also have met the requirements of and be eligible for certification under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and state law as a commercial applicator;

(15) "Soil pretreatment" means chemical treatment of the soil before or during construction of any building for the purpose of preventing or controlling subterranean termites;

(16) "Solicitor" means any person registered with the board by a licensed operator to solicit or sell pest control service work, which the operator is licensed to perform. A solicitor may not perform any pest control service work nor be placed in charge of workers or working crews;

(17) "Supervise" or "under the direct supervision of" means the act or process whereby the application of a pesticide is made by a competent and registered person acting under the instructions and control of a licensed operator or qualified operator who is responsible for the actions of that person and who is available if and when needed, even though the operator is not physically present at the time and place the pesticide is applied;

(18) "Termite and other structural pests" means any wood-damaging or wood-destroying insect, fungus, or organism;

(19) "Termite infestation" means any active termites found in or on a building, its foundation or attached appurtenances, or under the building, in or on debris, or in or on stumps under the building; and

(20) "Weed control" means the prevention, destruction, or removal of any plant from where it is not wanted by the use of herbicides.

(a) The violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or any of the rules and regulations of the board promulgated under this chapter shall be deemed a misdemeanor.

(b) Upon conviction, an offender shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) for the first offense, not less than one hundred dollars ($100) for the second offense, and not less than two hundred dollars ($200) plus ten (10) days in jail for each offense thereafter, with no suspension of fines or imprisonment.

(a) The board is authorized to apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for, and the court, upon hearing and for cause shown, may grant, a temporary or permanent injunction restraining any person from violating any provisions of this chapter or of the rules and regulations made under the authority of this chapter.

(b) The injunction is to be without bond.

(a)

(b) The board or its authorized representative may enter upon and inspect properties, plants, or products for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter and of carrying out the rules and regulations made pursuant to this chapter.

(a) In its rules and regulations made pursuant to this chapter and after a public hearing, the board shall establish license, registration, inspection, reinspection, reporting, and examination fees sufficient to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

(b) All fees collected under this chapter shall be deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of the board and are to be used in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

(a) No person shall, for compensation, engage in pest control service work in any manner as defined in this chapter without first having qualified, including the passing of the board's written examination, and having in force a valid license issued by the board for that purpose.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person other than a licensed operator, qualified operator, noncommercial applicator, or persons working under their direct supervision to use restricted-use pesticides as defined by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

(a) Persons who are not licensed as pest control operators under this chapter, but who worked as an unlicensed pest control operator prior to November 1, 1984, under the direct supervision of a holder of a license under this chapter, and who are working for such a license holder on June 28, 1985, may continue that arrangement without complying with this chapter.

(b) At the time such unlicensed pest control operators terminate their relationship with the license holder, the unlicensed pest control operators shall not thereafter perform services as pest control operators unless and until they have qualified under this chapter. However, when the licensed manager of a pest control company terminates his employment with the company, and if the company had been in operation at least one (1) year prior to the date of termination, the pest control company may continue to operate for a period not to exceed six (6) months after the date of termination, notwithstanding that the manager was the only licensed personnel in the company.

(a)

(b) Except for the requirements stated in this section, the noncommercial applicator shall be exempt from all other requirements of this chapter.

(a) Any person desiring to obtain a license for pest control service work shall make application to the board on forms provided by the board, giving complete information requested.

(b) The applicant must prove to the satisfaction of the board that he is morally and financially responsible.

(c) An applicant must show proof of at least one (1) year of experience in the classification for which a license is desired or have completed at least two (2) years of work in an accredited college or university, including the completion of at least one (1) basic course in entomology, to be eligible to take the examination in either of the following classifications:

(d)

(e)

(f) By virtue of these qualifications, the applicant shall be eligible for certification under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or state law as a commercial applicator.

(g) By regulation, the board shall make provisions to ensure that applicators continue to meet the requirements of changing technology and to assure a continuing level of competence and ability to use pesticides safely and properly.

(h) Any licensee who fails to renew his license for a period of two (2) years shall be required to follow the same procedure as a new applicant in obtaining another license.

(a) The license shall specify the classification of work in which the license holder is authorized to engage and shall show the name and address of the person, firm, or corporation to which it is issued and the name of the licensed or qualified operator, if he is someone other than the license holder.

(b)

(c)

(a) In promulgating regulations under this chapter, the board shall prescribe standards for the licensing of applicators of pesticides.

(b) The standards shall relate to the use and handling of the pesticides or to the use and handling of the pesticide or class of pesticide covered by the individual's license and shall be relative to the hazards involved.

(c)

(a) BOND.

(b) INSURANCE.

(c) CANCELLATION.

(a) No license or registration shall be transferable.

(b) When there is a change in the status of a licensee, such as change of address, operator in charge, agents, or solicitors, the licensee shall immediately notify the board of the changes.

(a) Each licensed operator shall register with the board the name and address of each agent or solicitor and shall pay to the board a registration fee annually for each solicitor and agent, at the time of registration.

(b) All registrations shall expire when the license expires.

(c) In all cases where a solicitor or agent violates the provisions of this chapter or the rules and regulations made under authority of this chapter, the violations shall be grounds for invalidation of the license held by the operator under which the solicitor or agent had been registered.

(a) No licensed operator or qualified operator shall operate under more than one (1) company name in any one (1) category.

(b) No person shall issue a solicitor's or agent's license to any other person for the purpose of operating under any other name except that of the licensed operator who registers the solicitor or agent with the board.

(c) All work shall be performed in the name of the licensed operator or his firm. All contracts, statements, bids, and letters shall be in his name and on his forms, and each agent shall drive vehicles lettered with the name of the licensed operator or his firm.

(1) Misrepresentations for the purpose of deceiving or defrauding;

(2) Making of a false statement with knowledge of its falsity for the purpose of inducing others to act thereon to their damage;

(3) Failure of the licensee to supply the board or its authorized representative, upon request, with true and accurate information concerning methods and materials used or work performed or other information essential to the administration and enforcement of this chapter;

(4) Performing work, whether for compensation or not, in a classification for which the licensee does not have a license;

(5) If repeated inspections by the board reveal that the licensee is not securing satisfactory control of the pests or diseases which the licensee engages to control or eradicate;

(6) Failure of licensee to register agents or solicitors, or failure to pay registration, inspection, or reporting fees due, or failure to make reports within the time specified;

(7) Conviction in any court of a violation of this chapter or of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act;

(8) Intentional misrepresentation in any application for a license;

(9) Failure to correct substandard work;

(10) Making a pesticide recommendation or application which is inconsistent with any or all of the following:

(11) Falsification of records or failure to maintain or make available the records required by this chapter.

(a) Invalidation or nonrenewal proceedings may be initiated against a license holder in the same manner and for the same reasons as against a licensed operator or qualified operator.

(b) The proceedings may be jointly and severally against any or all licensed operators or qualified operators employed by the license holder.

(a) When any person is refused a license or his license is not renewed, or when the board contemplates invalidation of his license, he shall have the right of a hearing before the board, or an authorized committee of the board, by filing a written request for a hearing with the board by registered or certified mail.

(b) Any person whose license is denied, refused, or invalidated by the board may appeal the decision to the Circuit Court of Pulaski County within twenty (20) days after official notification of the decision.

(a) All licensed operators shall enter into a written contract with the property owner when employed to control or eradicate termites or other structural pests, or in such other classifications as the board may specify in its rules and regulations made under authority of this chapter. The contract for termite and other structural pests shall guarantee the performance of the work for at least one (1) year and that the property meets the minimum standards established by the board in its rules and regulations for the work, unless these standards are waived or altered upon approval of the board.

(b) A copy of the contract or "start-work agreement" and a complete outline of the work to be performed shall be given to the property owner before any work is started.

(c)

(d)

(e)

1. Applying for Examinations (Commercial Applicators and Non-Commercial Applicators):

All applicants must submit an application to the Plant Board, on forms furnished by the Plant Board, at least 5 working days prior to the examinations. Processing of each application must be completed before the examinations are given. All applicants must be a minimum age of eighteen (18).

2. Examination Dates:

The written examinations in classifications 1, 2, and 3 will be given the second Monday of January, March, May, July, September and November. Examinations in classifications 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 will be given the second Monday of February, April, June, August, October and December at a time and place designated by the State Plant Board. In the event of technological advances that allow for changes in the administration of the exams, circumstances beyond the control of the State Plant Board occur, or any of the designated dates occur on a day, when State offices are closed, the Director of the State Plant Board may designate alternate dates for the examinations. The examinations will be graded by an examiner designated by the Plant Board.

3. Applying for License or certificate:

4. Fees:

The following fees have been established to carry out the provisions of Arkansas Pest Control Law.

License Holder License (Must be renewed prior to June 30 annually):

5. Agent Training, Examination, and Registration:

Registered agents must be a minimum age of eighteen (18). License holders of classifications 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 shall register with the Plant Board all individuals employed by them for the purpose of performing pest control services, including those employed for solicitation as their agent. Clerical staff are excluded. Each agent shall be registered only in the classification of pest control for which the license holder is licensed to perform. Agent trainees must be on-the-job trained by the license holder within 20 working days of their employment. Within 45 working days of their employment and after the completion of the on-the-job training the agent trainee must take an exam administered by the Plant Board, or a representative appointed by the Plant Board. Registered agent exams will be given on Wednesday of each week at a time and location designated by the State Plant Board. In the event of technological advances that allow for changes in the administration of the exams, circumstances beyond the control of the State Plant Board occur, or any of the designated dates occur on a day, when State offices are closed, the Director of the State Plant Board may designate alternate dates for the examinations. Until registered, and only during the initial 45 day on the job training and examination period, the agent trainee may apply pesticides only in the physical presence of a commercial applicator or registered agent. Agent applicants failing to pass the exam are prohibited from performing pest control service work until such time the agent applicant passes the exam. If at any time an employee, other than a commercial applicator, registered agent, or agent trainee undergoing the initial 45 days of on the job training and examination preparation, is found handling pesticides or performing pesticide applications the license holder and/or the licensed operator/s will be subject to enforcement action as per the Arkansas State Plant Board Pest Control Enforcement Response Regulations - Penalty Matrix - Violation #9 - beginning at the 3rd level of enforcement.

Training:

Forty hours of verifiable on-the-job training, performed under the direct supervision, direction and control of a qualified trainer. A qualified trainer shall be a commercial applicator or agent with at least one year of experience in the pest control industry or other individual approved by the Plant Board. During the application of pesticides a qualified trainer must be physically present on the job site. On-the-job training must be documented by the license holder on an agent training verification form provided by the State Plant Board. The information shall include the names of the trainee and trainer, the dates of training, and the total hours worked for each date of the training.

Examination and Registration:

The Arkansas State Plant Board shall provide an agent examination and registration application form. The license holder shall complete the form and submit it to the Pest Control Section with a copy of the agent trainee's on-the-job training verification form and the examination fee. Examination and registration forms submitted without the on-the-job verification and/or the examination fee will be considered incomplete and the trainee will not be eligible to take the examination. Complete agent exam and registration applications must be submitted to the Plant Board at least 5 working days prior to the examination. Upon passing the exam agents will be considered registered. Official agent registration identification cards will be provided to the license holder within 30 days of the exam date.

Registered agents who cease to be employed by a license holder must receive the 40 hours of on-the-job training before being eligible for re-registration. Agents not registered for more than 24 months will lose eligibility for re-registration and must complete the initial training and examination requirements to be re-registered. Registered agents under the minimum age of 18 are restricted from performing pesticide applications or being in sole possession of pesticides. License holders and commercial applicators found in violation of allowing employees of their pest control firm under the age of 18 perform pesticide applications or being in sole possession of pesticides will be subject to enforcement action as per the Arkansas State Plant Board Pest Control Enforcement Response Regulations - Penalty Matrix - Violation # 2 (C).

Continuing Education:

To maintain registration, agents shall be kept abreast of pest control technology and receive a minimum of 6 hours of continuing education each year. Continuing education may be achieved by completing a license holder's in-house training program or attendance of, Plant Board approved, seminars sponsored by the various associations, manufactures or suppliers affiliated with the pest control industry or the cooperative extension service. Agent annual continuing education training shall consist of:

* Applicator safety (PPE, label instructions, human and/or non-target species exposure, safe storage and transportation of pesticides, etc.) - 2 hours

* Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - 1 hour

* Application equipment maintenance and methods of application - 1 hour

* Environmental concerns (container disposal, spill clean up, drift, etc.) - 1 hour

* Laws and Regulations - 1 hour

License holders shall document in house training on forms provided by the Plant Board. Ongoing education provided to agents by attending approved seminars, training schools, etc. shall be documented with appropriate forms issued by the training's sponsors to the attendees. Records of training must be kept, by the license holder, for as long as the agent is employed. Such records shall be available for review by the State Plant Board during normal business hours. At any time, should the Board determine that training requirements have not been met; the license holder may be subject to enforcement action as per the Arkansas State Plant Board Pest Control Enforcement Response Regulations - Penalty Matrix - Violation # 7.

6. Hearings - Invalidation of Licenses, Certificates, and/or Agent Registrations:

Any person or firm who is refused a license, certificate, or agent registration or whose license, certificate, or agent registration is being considered for invalidation, may secure a hearing before the Pest Control Committee before the final Board action is taken. This Committee shall consist of the Board member who represents the Head of the Department of Entomology, University of Arkansas, who shall act as the Chairman, and the Board member who represents the Arkansas Pest Management Association. Remaining committee members shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Plant Board. This Committee may hold hearings regarding licenses, certificates, and agent registrations to take testimony and gather evidence regarding same. Such testimony, evidence and the committee's recommendation shall be made available to the Board for consideration and final action.

7. Keeping Abreast of Technology:

Each commercial applicator and non-commercial applicator shall keep himself / herself abreast of changing pest control technology to assure a continuing level of competence and ability to use pesticides safely and properly. The completion of a Cooperative Extension Service approved pest control training, conference, seminar, etc. every third year shall be considered adequate to satisfy this requirement. An appropriate form shall be filed with the Plant Board as proof of attendance. Any applicator failing to meet this provision shall be reexamined or lose the license or certificate.

8. Standards for Licensing Pesticide Applicators:

Plant Board standards for the licensing and certification of commercial applicators and noncommercial applicators shall be the same as the standards set forth in Section 171.4 thru 171.6 of the Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR part 171 written pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), as amended. Said sections are as follows: Section 171.4, Standards for Certification of Commercial Applicators; Section 171.5 Standards for Certification of Private Applicators, and Section 171.6 Standards for Supervision of Non-Certified Applicators by Certified Private and Commercial Applicators.

9. Office Operations:

On forms provided by the Plant Board, license holders in classifications 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 shall register the physical address of each office from which they will engage in the practice of pest control service. An office is considered to be any building or similar structure where normal business activity might occur including any and all locations (excluding service vehicles) where pesticide products are stored and/or distributed.

10. Clarification:

The following regulations are promulgated to clarify the Board's intent relative to certain sections of the Pest Control law.

A.C.A. § 17-37-102. Definitions:

A.C.A. § 17-37-216 & 17-37-217:

Refusal to issue a license, certificate, or agent registration. Grounds for invalidation or non-renewal of a license, certificate, or agent registration.

In addition to invalidation and denial, this section shall also be considered as providing for the suspension of a license, certificate, or agent registration. Items (1) thru (11) shall be considered as grounds for suspension as well as denial or invalidation of a license, certificate, or agent registration. In addition, the use of a pesticide inconsistent with its labeling shall also be considered grounds for denial, suspension or invalidation of a license, certificate, or agent registration.

A.C.A. § 17-37-202(b) Exemption:

Shall provide for the use of general use pesticides only, during the period of time a pest control company may operate without a commercial applicator (licensed operator).

A.C.A. § 17-37-203 Exemptions:

The exemptions stated in 17-37-203 shall apply only to persons who use general use pesticides.

A.C.A. § 17-37-103 Penalties:

Items (1) thru (11) of A.C.A. § 17-37-217 shall be considered violations of the Pest Control Law and its regulations and shall be subject to the penalties stated in A.C.A. § 17-37-103 and the Pest Control Enforcement Response Regulations as stated in Section IX.

A.C.A. § 17-37-106 Prior Rules and Regulations:

This section does not repeal Act 389 of 1975 A.C.A. § 20-20-202 or act 410 of 1975 A.C.A. § 2-16-402 or any part of either act.

1. Contracts:

All license holders in Classification One shall issue a signed contract, along with a complete plot or diagram showing the location of visible damage, active or previous infestation and an outline of the work to be carried out on each job performed for the prevention, control or eradication of termites and other structural pests, including soil pre-treatments and letters of clearance. Effective July 1, 2013 all plots or diagrams (graphs) shall have imprinted, on the face, a legend or key containing symbols (of the license holders choice) clearly identifying, at a minimum, the following conditions:

* Termite activity

* Termite damage

* Powder Post Beetles

* Powder Post Beetle damage

Said contracts must guarantee the performance of work for a period of not less than one year and clearly state, on the face of the contract, the name and EPA Registration number of the chemical used, if repairs of damage are included or if the license holder's liability is limited to re-treatment only for the control of termites under the guarantee. License holders must submit a legible copy of all contracts to the Plant Board for review prior to their issuance. When issuing a letter of clearance on a building that is already under a current contract by the license holder writing the letter of clearance, for a real estate transaction, a new contract, including diagram, shall be issued in the name of the new buyer, guaranteeing the performance of work for one year from the date the letter of clearance is issued. The new contract requirement shall not apply in cases where the letter of clearance is issued on buildings already under contract, that are being refinanced, provided the license holder holding the contract issues the letter of clearance. Letters of clearance, written on buildings under contract by the license holder, must show the original date of treatment.

The number of contracts, providing a re-treatment only guarantee, for the control of termites that a license holder may issue per fiscal year ( July 1 to June 30) shall not exceed 20% of the number of buildings for which the license holder reported and paid reporting fees during the previous fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).

Renewals:

Each time a contract is renewed the license holder shall assume responsibility for bringing substandard conditions in the building under contract up to standards, except on prior approved substandard buildings. This shall also apply to all new additions to the building unless the license holder shows in bold print, on the renewal notice, that the renewal does not cover new additions to the building. When a license holder elects not to renew a viable contract, the owner must be notified by return receipt requested certified mail, at least 30 days prior to the contract expiration date, of the intent not to renew the contract. Notification by the license holder of non-renewal does not apply when the contract is terminated for non-payment of the renewal fee, or canceled by the consumer; provided the consumer was notified a renewal fee was due.

2. Reporting - Responsibility:

License holders shall give complete information required by Code 17-37-221 of the Pest Control Law by filing monthly reports. This information shall be filed with the Board even though it is understood that payment for the service will be made at a later date. In all cases where there is a question as to whether a job is completed, the criterion for a completed job shall be payment in part or in full. Each license holder shall be responsible for, or shall guarantee for at least one year, all representations, provisions, declarations, work or services called for by the contract, and the diagram of the property or by Letters of Clearance.

3. Meeting Minimum Standards:

Each building on which a contract is issued for the prevention, control or eradication of termites shall meet the Minimum Standards outlined in Section III A, III B, III D or III E of these regulations, unless unusual structural or physical conditions render the correction of certain conditions to portions of the building impractical. In such cases, an exclusion of certain minimum treating standards shall be made on forms supplied by the Plant Board. Provided the remainder of the structure is treated to meet all remaining Minimum Standards. Requests for exclusion of certain minimum treating standards shall be made on forms supplied by the Plant Board. Each request for exclusion of certain minimum treating standards shall contain all property owner and pest control operator information and all information must be provided or the request will be considered incomplete and may not be processed. Each request for exclusion shall also clearly state which treatment standard is to be excluded. An inspection fee of $50.00 shall be assessed for each application submitted. Plant Board staff may contact property owners and discuss exclusion application as staff feels situation warrants. Should Plant Board staff determine, through direct communication, that the property owner is not fully informed and in agreement with the type and quality of work to be performed under the exclusion agreement, approval to exclude the requested treatment standard will be denied. The approval/denial decision will be made within two (2) working days from the date of receipt of the request. If a request for exclusion of certain minimum treating standards is approved, a form with a notification of approval will be returned to the Pest Control Operator. The Pest Control Operator shall sign the form, secure the signature of the Property Owner, and date of signing. The signed and dated form shall be considered an attachment of the Contract for Control of Termites issued on the subject property and shall be submitted with a copy of the contract and graph to the property owner and also reported in the copies sent to the Plant Board. The contract, issued on the building for which the Exclusion of Certain Minimum Treating Standards has been approved, shall clearly state that minimum requirements for Structural Pest Control Work have not been fulfilled and reference the form as being a part of the contract. Contracts for which an Exclusion has been approved but that do not clearly reference the exclusion form as a part of the contract, the exclusion approval shall be considered invalid and the operator shall be issued a Report of Sub-Standard Termite Treatment (Pink Slip) for the specific substandard conditions. The use of any document or agreement, for the purpose of issuing a substandard termite treatment contract, other than a pre-approved Exclusion of Certain Minimum Treating Standards form, issued by the Plant Board, is strictly prohibited. Enforcement action shall be taken against all license holders and licensed operators found attempting to use such documents and the violation shall be considered Misrepresentation for the Purpose of Deceiving or Defrauding and subject to the fourth (4th) level of enforcement as per Arkansas State Plant Board Pest Control Enforcement Response Regulations and Appendix A of Circular 6.

The maximum number of Exclusions of Certain Minimum Treating Standards approvals available to any license holder in any license year (currently July 1 to June 30) shall be limited to a number equal to twenty percent (20%) of the number of buildings covered with a termite protection plan for which the license holder reported and paid reporting fees during the previous license year.

4. Letters of Clearance / Wood Destroying Insect and Organisms Report:

Any statements as to the condition of a building pertaining to termites, or other wood destroying insects or decay fungi (Rot), other than a bid or proposal for treatment shall be considered a Letter of Clearance. Letters of Clearance shall not be issued by any person, business, or entity without first acquiring a commercial license to perform Classification 1 (Termite and Other Structural Pest Control) work. Letters of Clearance issued in connection with a real estate transaction shall be made on a form officially adopted by the State Plant Board. This form shall be the current Wood

Destroying Insect Infestation Inspection Report form prescribed by HUD. Letters of clearance must be accompanied by a signed contract providing a guarantee of at least one year and a graph or diagram showing, if present, the location of active or inactive wood destroying insect infestations and visible damage. Structures upon which letters of clearance are written must meet all conditions stated in the letter as well as all the minimum requirements for structural pest work in Sections IIIA, IIIB, and IIID or III E. For additional responsibility on Letters of Clearance see Section II, Item I, Contracts.

Areas which are inaccessible for inspection must be clearly described in the letter. Inaccessible areas in crawl spaces must be made accessible as per minimum treating standards or excluded by an Exclusion of Minimum Treating Standards attachment to the contract.

When a Letter of clearance is issued on a building for which previous substandard prior approval, waiver of the minimum treating requirements, or exclusion of certain minimum treating standards has been given, the license holder shall notify the new owner on the Clearance Letter and Contract that specified prior approved substandard conditions exist in the structure. When this is done the license holder shall not be issued a Report of Substandard Termite Treatment on the specified substandard conditions.

5. Reporting and Re-inspection Fees - Correcting Substandard Work:

Each license holder shall remit to the Plant Board, by the 15th day of each month, an inspection fee of $5.00 for each building on which a contract has been issued during the previous calendar month excluding new contracts issued with letters of clearance on buildings under current contracts. The $5.00 reporting fee shall be paid on each building treated regardless of how many buildings are covered by a single contract. If for any reason the payment of this fee is delayed more than 30 days the fee shall be doubled. The Plant Board, through its authorized representatives, reserves the right to inspect any or all buildings on which a contract has been issued, to determine compliance with the Pest Control Law and Rules and Regulations made there-under.

Should inspections, by the Plant Board's representatives, of buildings covered by a contract, including a renewal of a contract and/or Letter of Clearance, be found infested with termites or other structural pests for which prevention, control or eradication has been contracted, or if the Plant Board's minimum standards (Sections IIIA, IIIB, IIID and IIIE ), other than those excepted in the contract and given prior approval, a waiver of certain minimum treating standards, or an exclusion of certain minimum treating standards by the Plant Board, have not been met or fulfilled, or misrepresentations have been made to the owner, the Plant Board will send the license holder a notice to that effect. The license holder shall, within 15 days, retreat the building when necessary and otherwise bring the building into compliance with the law and these regulations and shall submit to the Plant Board along with the report of correction an appropriate re-inspection fee. If the necessary corrections cannot be made in 15 days due to circumstances beyond the license holder's control, additional time may be requested from the Plant Board office. When a notice has not been returned by the due date and the license holder has not contacted the Plant Board office concerning the notice, a re-inspection of the building will be made and another notice will be issued, if the building has not been brought up to standard at the time of the re-inspection. Should subsequent re-inspections reveal the building still not in compliance, a third and final notice will be issued following the same procedure outlined above. Should re-inspections of the third and final notice reveal the building is still not in compliance the license holder will be subject to enforcement action according to Arkansas State Plant Board Pest Control Enforcement Response Regulations. The fees for each notice are to pay for the cost of inspections and payment does not preclude invalidation of a license by the Plant Board should this be warranted.

6. Inspection of First Five Properties Treated:

Within 90 days of issuance of a first termite and other structural pest license to a commercial applicator, the new commercial applicator shall submit a report on their first five termite treatments including all required forms and information. The report shall be accompanied by an inspection fee of $20.00 for each job and the regular $5.00 reporting fee will be waived on these first five jobs. The new commercial applicator must be present and directly perform and/or supervise the first five termite treatments. Plant Board representatives will inspect the jobs to assess the applicator's performance and compliance with the law and regulations. New construction (pre-treat) applications must be monitored by Plant Board representatives. The new commercial applicator must notify the Commercial Pest Control Section 48 hours prior to all first five pre-treat applications.

An extension of the 90 day due date may be granted upon written request submitted to the Plant Board. If a commercial applicator does not complete and report their first five jobs in 90 days or upon the extended due date, or if inspection shows that the applicator is apparently not qualified, a notification that no more work is to be performed will be issued and the Plant Board will consider revoking the applicator's license. A hearing before the Board's Pest Control Committee may be requested by filing a certified letter with the Board within 20 days of receipt of the notice.

7. Supervision:

A commercial applicator (licensed operator) shall be considered in charge of all pest control work and/or services performed. Commercial applicators shall be readily available and shall maintain a supervisory position over all pest control agents performing work in the classification or classifications for which the commercial applicator is licensed. No more than 30 registered agents shall be supervised by any one commercial applicator. The license holder shall assign supervisory charge of commercial applicators over registered technicians. If evidence shows a registered technician commits a violation of Arkansas Pest Control Law or Rules and Regulations the license holder shall be required to identify the technicians supervising commercial applicator. If evidence shows a commercial applicator and/or applicators are no longer in charge of the license holder's pest control operation, the commercial applicator (and/or applicators) and license holder's licenses shall be deemed invalid in accordance with the provisions of the Pest Control Law.

8. Notice that all Jobs are to be inspected:

Any time that an unreasonably high (15% or more) number of jobs of a license holder upon inspection are found not in compliance with the law and these regulations, the Pest Control Committee, after reviewing the record of the licensee in question, may instruct Plant Board inspectors to inspect all jobs reported during the previous year. In such a case the license holder will be notified by registered or certified letter (return receipt requested) that their work has not been satisfactory. The Plant Board will withhold any further inspections for 60 days following the receipt of this notice. After the 60-day delay, all jobs reported the previous year, not including those previously checked and in compliance, will be inspected. The time period covered will be the year previous to the date that the above notice is received by the license holder.

1. Access opening:

An opening, at least 14 inches high and 16 inches wide, shall be provided to permit inspection under all parts of the building.

2. Chemicals:

The term chemical, when used hereafter, shall apply to pesticides used for the control or prevention of termites, powder-post beetles, wood destroying fungi and other wood destroying organisms. The name of the chemical used and the product's EPA Registration number shall be clearly stated on the face of each contract and clearly identified on any and all re-treatment records. This requirement shall also apply to Reports of Substandard Termite Treatment when additional chemical applications are required or performed. The pesticides are described in Section III C-materials.

3. Debris and Form Boards:

4. Clearance Under Buildings:

All soil, which is within 12 inches of bottom edge of floor joists or within 5 inches of sub-sills, must be removed.

Note: Scuttle holes, 14 inches high and 16 inches wide, must be provided under drop sills, plumbing, air ducts, or any other similar obstructions. All areas under the building must be made accessible for complete inspection.

5. Shelter Tubes:

Brush all termite shelter tubes from piers, walls, sills, joists, sub-floors, pipes, and other parts of the building.

6. Piers and Stiff-legs:

Stiff-legs, wood piers, or other wood supports must have concrete or metal-capped bases extending at least 3 inches above the ground.

7. Wood on Concrete Floors:

Where wood parts such as posts, door frames, partitions, stair-carriages, stiff-legs, posts, or other wood supports that:

8. Wood Steps:

Wood steps must be treated with approved chemicals according to the label directions.

9. Pipes:

Pipes must be treated with approved chemicals according to the label directions.

10. Replacements / Exclusion of Existing Damage:

11. Outside Grade: (See Figure 1)

12. Skirting and Lattice Work:

Skirting and Lattice Work should rest on solid concrete or cemented brick extending at least 3 inches above the outside grade, unless suspended, in which case there should be at least 3 inches clearance above grade. Contact must be broken between the building and any lattice which may rest on or in the soil.

Exception: Skirting and lattice work outside the perimeter of a buildings foundation, attached to a wood porch or deck, need not be serviced to provide 3 inches of clearance above the outside grade. These items must be treated with approved chemicals according to the label directions.

13. Steps, Porches, Ground Slabs and Similar Structures:

14. Stucco:

15. Ground Treatment Under the Building:

The inside of foundation wall and around all pipes, chimneys, and piers must be treated with approved chemical according to the label directions.

16. Ground Treatment Outside Buildings:

The outside of foundation walls must be treated with approved chemicals according to the label directions.

17. Chemical Treatment of Masonry:

Treatment with approved chemicals shall be in accordance with label directions as follows to foundation walls, piers, and chimneys.

18. Powder-Post Beetles:

If powder-post beetles are not to be treated or covered by the contract, the owner must be so informed in writing on the initial contract. Treatment, if made, should be applied to all wood showing signs of infestation. This can be done by spraying, brushing, or mopping as per label directions onto wood surfaces any pesticide approved for use in powder-post beetle control as described in Section IIIC-Materials. Two or more applications must usually be made at intervals to achieve control. Special formulations are required for treating flooring or furniture to avoid damage to the finish.

19. Slab Construction:

Slab construction shall meet all of the foregoing minimum requirements except, as outlined in paragraphs 1, 3(a), 4, 9, and 15.Treatments should be made when swarms occur or damage is found, or as a preventive measure. Treatment under the slab is accomplished by drilling holes in the slab or foundation through which chemical can be applied in accordance with label directions to establish a barrier in the soil. Long-rodding can sometimes be accomplished without drilling. Brick and stone veneer on slab construction is treated by drilling through the veneer and injecting the void between the veneer and the slab with chemical. Brick and stone veneer shall be treated with approved chemicals according to the label directions. If the label directions require drilling and treating and the maximum interval requirements are not specific, the intervals at which the operator drills to achieve adequate barriers shall be stated on the graph. In such cases if the maximum intervals are not stated on the graph the operator will be required to drill and treat at a maximum of 18 inch intervals.

NOTE: On structures which are part slab and part crawl space, appropriate minimum requirements shall be met on each part.

20. Foam Treatment for Concrete Slab and Masonry Veneer:

Treatment is accomplished by applying the chemical according to the label directions.

21. Foam Treatment for Crawl Space:

Treatment is accomplished by applying the chemical according to the label directions.

NOTE: All contracts and graphs must specify when foam treatment is used and clearly state the name and the EPA Registration number of the product used.

1. Chemical soil barrier treatments:

Crawl space construction: approved chemical at concentration rate and volume must be applied according to label directions to establish a vertical barrier in the soil adjacent to both sides of the foundation, around piers, pipes and other construction elements that would permit termites to infest the building from the ground. Horizontal chemical barriers must be established by applying chemical at the concentration rate and volume specified by the label directions to all soil surfaces to be covered by steps, porches, garage floors, carport slabs, patios or other structures adjoining the building. In addition to the establishment of both vertical and horizontal chemical barriers in the soil the building must meet items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11a of the minimum requirements given for existing structures in Section IIIA.

Slab Construction: approved chemical at concentration rate and volume must be applied according to label directions to establish a horizontal chemical barrier in the soil under all parts of the building, adjoining steps, carports, garage floors, patios, porches, or other structures adjoining the building. Chemical must be applied at concentration rate and volume according to the label directions in the soil adjacent to the foundation wall around the outside of the building to establish a vertical barrier in the soil. In addition to the establishment of horizontal and vertical chemical barriers in the soil, the building must meet items 3b, 5, 7, 8, 10, and 11a of the minimum requirements given for existing structures in Section III A.

Foam Treatments: Treatment is accomplished by applying the chemical as specified by the label directions.

NOTE: Contracts and graphs must specify when foam treatment is used and clearly state the name and the EPA Registration number of the product used.

NOTE: Buildings which are part slab and part crawl space, appropriate minimum requirements shall be met on each part.

2. Above ground wood treatment methods:

Approved chemical must be applied to the wood according to the label directions, concentration rates and volumes. In addition crawl space buildings must meet items 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, and 11a of the minimum requirements for existing structures in Section III A.

1. Chemical Treatment to wood decks and wood patios (an open platform adjoining a building, not covered by a roof and/or supported by and enclosed masonry foundation):

Approved chemicals shall be applied or reapplied according to label directions around and under wood decks and wood patios to control subterranean termites.

2. New contracts, Contract Transfers, Clearance Letters and Soil Treatment Certificate Responsibility:

Wood decks and/or wood patios are INCLUDED as part of the contract, contract transfer or clearance letter issued on an attached structure UNLESS the contract, contract transfer or clearance letter shows in BOLD PRINT that existing termite damage, or damage that occurs in the future, is NOT to be replaced on wood decks and/or wood patios.

3. Replacements:

CLARIFICATION:

1. Contracts:

In addition to requirements specified in SECTION II item 1, contracts must specifically state the initial number of bait stations that are to be installed and the frequency upon which an inspection of the bait placements or monitoring stations are to be performed. The diagram must show the location of each bait station.

2. Treatment:

The materials, baits, monitoring stations, and matrix's shall be applied and maintained according to label directions and schedule specified in the contract.

3. Replacements / Exclusion of Existing Damage:

A. Base Civil Penalty: The midpoint of a civil penalty range. [Example: The civil penalty range for failure to report structural pest control work (1st level of enforcement) is $200.00 to $400.00. The base penalty is $300.00]

B. Case Development Review Panel: An internal committee of staff including:

C. Level of Enforcement: The category by which a violative incident is considered a first, second, third, or fourth offense.

For a violation to be considered as a second or subsequent offense, it must be a repeat of a violation for which a previous enforcement action has been taken by the Plant Board. The previous violation/violations must have occurred within the past 3 years.

D. Minor Violation: A violative incident which does not involve human health, safety, or endanger the environment; or other incidents of non-compliance which do not create a competitive disadvantage for licensees in full compliance.

E. Major Violation: A violative incident which affects human health, safety, or the environment; or other incidents of non-compliance which create a competitive advantage over licensees in full compliance; or a history of repetitive violative incidents. Any violation consisting of a label violation that involves a potential human exposure may result in elevation of the violation to the fourth level of enforcement.

*In no case shall the failure to meet minimum requirements for structural pest work (Sections III A, III B, III C, and III D) adopted under the authority of Ar. Code 17-37-105, except those which require a termiticide application, be considered a violation and subject to a civil penalty.

F. Respondent: A person charged with a violation of the Arkansas Pest Control Law as amended, and the regulations written pursuant thereto.

A. "Arkansas Pest Control Law" A.C.A. 17-37-101 et. seq. and Regulations.

B. "The Arkansas Plant Act" A.C.A. 2-16-203 et. seq. and Regulations.

A. Warning Letter: For minor, 1st level of enforcement violations, the Board or Board Staff will issue a warning letter. The letter will cite the specific violation. The letter will also identify any corrective action that may be needed and notify the respondent that further violations will result in more severe enforcement action.

B. Informal Agreement: When a violation has been alleged, the respondent has the option of an informal hearing or a board/committee hearing. The purpose of the informal hearing is to resolve a complaint or incident. A hearing officer will meet jointly with the respondent and Plant Board Staff. The group will seek consensus on an appropriate enforcement action for recommendation to the Board. Enforcement action based on the Penalty Matrix (Appendix A) will include Civil Penalty and/or license suspension, revocation, non-renewal, or registration cancellation. The Full Board acts on all recommendations resulting from the informal hearing.

C. Board/Committee Hearing: If the respondent chooses to bypass the informal agreement process, or if an agreement can not be reached during the informal hearing, a hearing will be held by the Pest Control Committee of the Board. Enforcement action will include Civil Penalty and/or license suspension, revocation, non-renewal, or registration cancellation. Following the Committee hearing, a written Finding of Fact, Conclusion of Law, and recommendation will be submitted to the Board. The Full Board will act on all recommendations of the Committee.

D. Suspension / revocation / non-renewal of a license or registration:

The suspension, revocation, or non-renewal of a license by the Board may be in addition to, or in conjunction with, a civil penalty fine.

E. Injunction: The Board may apply for an injunction to any court of competent jurisdiction for violations of the Pest Control Law. The court, upon hearing and for cause, has the option of temporary or permanent injunction restraining any person from violating any provisions of The Arkansas Pest Control Law and regulations.

F. Referral to Prosecuting Attorney: The Plant Board has the option of referring violations of the Pest Control Law to the prosecuting attorney.

G. Referral to EPA: The Plant Board will negotiate cases of referral with EPA to determine the appropriate action.SECTION

A. Routine compliance monitoring indicates a violation has occurred.

B. A formal complaint that an alleged violative incident has occurred (Filing of a written form by a complainant). In cases of apparent immediate endangerment to health or the environment, the written notification may be waived and the investigation of the alleged incident will begin immediately).

C. Possible human exposure to pesticides is assigned priority status.

The processing sequence for an incident investigation is outlined in Figure I.

A. That apparent violation / violations have occurred.

B. Whether the apparent violation or violations are Minor and/or Major violations.

C. The correct level of enforcement based on the penalty matrix and the documented history of the respondent.

Concurrence with the Division's finding by the Panel must be unanimous before further action can be taken on the case.

A. Cooperation of the respondent.

B. Other extenuating/mitigating circumstances.

The Hearing Officer/Committee/Board may use these factors to accelerate or mitigate enforcement action. When a civil penalty is the preferred action, the base penalty may be increased or decreased based on these factors. The civil penalty will not be more or less than the range for the specific violation listed in Appendix A.

The Full Board will take action to determine the final disposition of the case.