SECTIONS 8538 - California Statutes

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE

SECTION 8538

8538. (a) A registered structural pest control company shall
provide the owner, or owner's agent, and tenant of the premises for
which the work is to be done with clear written notice which contains
the following statements and information using words with common and
everyday meaning:
(1) The pest to be controlled.
(2) The pesticide or pesticides proposed to be used, and the
active ingredient or ingredients.
(3) "State law requires that you be given the following
information: CAUTION--PESTICIDES ARE TOXIC CHEMICALS. Structural Pest
Control Companies are registered and regulated by the Structural
Pest Control Board, and apply pesticides which are registered and
approved for use by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation
and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Registration
is granted when the state finds that, based on existing scientific
evidence, there are no appreciable risks if proper use conditions are
followed or that the risks are outweighed by the benefits. The
degree of risk depends upon the degree of exposure, so exposure
should be minimized."
"If within 24 hours following application you experience symptoms
similar to common seasonal illness comparable to the flu, contact
your physician or poison control center (telephone number) and your
pest control company immediately." (This statement shall be modified
to include any other symptoms of overexposure which are not typical
of influenza.)
"For further information, contact any of the following: Your Pest
Control Company (telephone number); for Health Questions--the County
Health Department (telephone number); for Application
Information--the County Agricultural Commissioner (telephone number)
and for Regulatory Information--the Structural Pest Control Board
(telephone number and address)."
(4) If a contract for periodic pest control has been executed, the
frequency with which the treatment is to be done.
(b) In the case of Branch 1 applications, the notice prescribed by
subdivision (a) shall be provided at least 48 hours prior to
application unless fumigation follows inspection by less than 48
hours.
In the case of Branch 2 or Branch 3 registered company
applications, the notice prescribed by subdivision (a) shall be
provided no later than prior to application.
In either case, the notice shall be given to the owner, or owner's
agent, and tenant, if there is a tenant, in at least one of the
following ways:
(1) First-class mail.
(2) Posting in a conspicuous place on the real property.
(3) Personal delivery.
If the building is commercial or industrial, a notice shall be
posted in a conspicuous place, unless the owner or owner's agent
objects, in addition to any other notification required by this
section.
The notice shall only be required to be provided at the time of
the initial treatment if a contract for periodic service has been
executed. If the pesticide to be used is changed, another notice
shall be required to be provided in the manner previously set forth
herein.
(c) Any person or licensee who, or registered company which,
violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and
is punishable as set forth in Section 8553.