To encourage compliance and help Georgia consumers, the Structural Pest Division will inspect structures that have been serviced by pest control companies. Examples of reasons to request an inspection include but are not limited to:
- Unsafe pesticide applications made in or around a structure.
- The pest control company or individual is operating without a license.
- A concern regarding the control/treatment of wood-destroying organisms such as termites, wood boring beetles, or wood decay fungi by a pest control company.
- You discover an incomplete or inaccurate Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report (also known as a “termite letter”) when purchasing a home.
- There’s a conflicting report between two pest control companies such as pest identification or activity.
To request an inspection, please use the Structural Pest Control Inspection Request Webform or contact our office at 404-656-3641.
Inspection Process
When your inspection request is assigned, an inspector will contact you to schedule an inspection time at the property. They’ll ask questions, request copies of contracts, service tickets, or letters, and gather physical evidence. The agent may also contact the pest control company to collect relevant information and records. Once the inspection is complete and if violations are discovered, the inspection records will be reviewed for an appropriate enforcement response. Enforcement responses include a warning letter, a demand for corrective action, a monetary penalty, additional training order or license modifications. The process can take as little as a few weeks or as long as a few months.
Important Information
- Contracts are required for all structural pest control services such as termite treatments, general pest control services including rodent control services.
- Property owners can make pesticide applications to their own property. For more information on pesticide use, go to Safe Use Practices for Pesticides (orst.edu)
- A list of pest control companies, certified operators, and applicators is available through the Georgia Department of Agriculture. You can check online through our licensing lookup or call 404-656-3641 to verify a company or individual’s licensing status.
- All service and sales vehicles used for pest control must be permanently marked with the company’s full name.
- Upon request, a company must show you a GDA pest control business license and provide a copy for you if needed.
- At time of service, pest control companies must provide you with a service record that includes:
- the company name & phone number
- date of application
- name, EPA registration number, amount, and concentration of the pesticide being used
- target pest
- specific areas treated
- application method
- technician name
- any post-application information