Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission Meeting Minutes April 9, 2024

Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission

April 9, 2024

In Attendance: Chris Gorecki, Chairman; 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
Jacob Winkle’s graduate program project to determine the Economic Impact of the Pest Control Industry has been publicized and has been referred to in numerous articles. Most have mentioned the revenue impact but have not focused a significant stance on this factor.  Dr. Forschler hopes that the University will recognize the industry’s impact through this study as well.

Georgia Department of Agriculture Update-Derrick Lastinger
Derrick welcomed both Natalie Adan, Department Director of Operations and Randi Balog, Team Supervisor on special Yellow-Legged Hornet project.
Compliance/Enforcement-Tim Taylor
Attendees at the UGA Griffin Termite Workshop are now given a pre- and post- course quiz to measure learning in this course.  The average pre-course score is 55% and post-course scores average 84%.
A guidance document is being developed for WDO monthly job reports to assist those in the industry to understand the requirements on this report.
Field inspectors participated in a UGA Marine Institute training with Dr. Forschler regarding drywood termites.
Computerization Update-Natalie Adan  
The Operations Department is reviewing processes and determining how to make steps more efficient through online opportunities rather than depending on hardcopy and mailing services.  Company applications will soon be available online with a fillable form.  Once the application is approved, an invoice will be generated to pay fees.  Licensing will be another area reviewed to make this an easier and more efficient process.
Certification/Training-Ali Ikner
EPA has been sending guidance surveys on the Certification & Training processes.  Legal Services has been working on the rule language to meet the Certification & Training plan that was submitted by the state and approved by EPA.  The Commission will begin reviewing these changes in 2024 to be implemented in new rules required to meet these EPA standards. 
There will be an Authorized Submitter Training this month.  For anyone who is interested, contact Ali.
The GPCA Winter Conference hours have all been entered into Kelly Solutions.
Outreach-Ali Ikner/LeAnna Merritt
The School Outreach Program has been a success in several elementary schools.  The EPA grant has allowed the GDA to provide pest lessons for children. A coloring book, The Pest Adventure, with the GA cartoon character, Georgie, was published and is available for outreach projects.
Also, the EPA grant has allowed providing workshops for school staff who perform pest control services.
Staff continue to present in the UGA Griffin Termite Workshops and in the School IPM Workshops.
LeAnna Merritt will be speaking at the upcoming CPCO of GA conference in Savannah on April 12.

New Companies-Ali Ikner
1. New Company-Upside Pest Control-Approved.
2. HBR New Company-Honeybee Wrangler-Approved pending insurance.
3. New Company-White House Pest Control-Approved pending insurance.
4. New Company-Perkins Pest Control-Approved pending insurance.
5. HBR New Company-Buzzin’ Buddies Bee Company-Approved pending DCO signature and contact email.
6. New Company-Biiocare-No DCO listed-Not approved.

HBR Training-Ali
Pre-Examination trainings that are upcoming: GA Beekeepers Association in July, Dr Suiter continues to work on the recorded training course to be ready for use, CPCO of GA is surveying membership to see if there is interest within their membership. 

Yellow Legged Hornet Update-Randi Balog
In August 2023 the yellow-legged hornet was identified.  A liquid bait has been used to trap this species.  The goal is to have 1000 traps in the Savannah area in 2024.  Currently, a part-time position is available that would employ someone to check these traps.  GDA staff have been searching for nests and have created videos to teach homeowners how to make their own traps. 
Embryonic nests have been found that are golf ball sized and usually found in lower areas such as porches and decks.  The queen begins this nest with only up to 12 cells for workers to breed.  A nest that is much higher in trees is formed as the main hive. 
Workers are sent out to hawk around honeybee nests to catch and feed their hive.  They also hawk flies around decomposing animals for food source.  More information can be found at https://agr.georgia.gov/yellow-legged-hornet.  A recent news report provides pictures of the embryonic nest. See https://www.live5news.com/2024/04/09/invasive-yellow-legged-hornet-queen-captured-authorities-work-stop-species-spread/ for the report. 

Rulemaking
Ali and Derrick are meeting with Legal Services on April 19 to begin the process of providing a draft document for the new rules to comply with the EPA Certification and Training Rule.  Drafts will be made available for the Commission to review.

Notice 14-08 Under-Floor Space Ventilation Fact Sheet-Derrick Lastinger
The Guidance Fact sheet 14-08 was updated and approved last month and is now available on the GDA website.

TermiTek System-Chris Gorecki
The TermiTek System is a device to monitor termites.  Information regarding this product was brought before the Commission to evaluate its use within the current regulations.  A draft document is in process to develop a Guidance Fact sheet to assist people in the industry who may use this device. 

EPA ESA Notice-Derrick Lastinger
The Endangered Species ACT (ESA), may impact structural pest control services but the results of this are still unknown.  On April 2 there was a pesticide update for end users.  Label changes would result in a provision to use products within the next 12 months.  EPA Announces the Implementation of Mitigation Measures for Insecticides Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon, and Malathion to Protect Endangered Species | US EPA
Both ASPCRO and SFIREG are discussing the Endangered Species Act as it is a big topic in Agriculture and also in pest control.

Legislative Update-Shalamar Parham
The 40-day session has ended.  The Occupational Licensing Legislation has been reviewed and does not impact the pest control industry.  House Bill 1096, which would require a form from the Secretary of State to track CEU training to track and prove license status, did not get approved.  The state budget was balanced and approved.  The Squatter Reform Act that would make squatting a misdemeanor passed.  The Religious Freedom Act died in the house.  Special Election in Muskogee County on 4/9/24 to replace a vacant seat, Sean Knox is a candidate for this position.  May 21 is the state’s Primary Election, and June 18 is the runoff date.  The General Election will be on November 5 with the runoff date on December 3. 

NPMA Update-Rick Bell
There were 37 Georgia attendees at Legislative Day in Washington DC. The group was able to have 14 meetings with Representatives and have meetings with both Senators from Georgia. The topic of discussion was to keep preemption in the farm bill (keep state enforcement of pesticide use).  There is still uncertainty when the Farm Bill will be voted on.
The Endangered Species Act is creating a lot of concern.  NPMA and ASPCRO provided the EPA personnel with hands-on training on how to do rodent control in Wyoming and plans to do another training in Washington DC in another week.  Those who attended this training are seeing how the industry does this work and the implications that the rodenticide restrictions may have on the industry and revising some decisions based on these experiences. 
PFAS legislation (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): The US Government custodial services contracts will not be allowed to use PFAS in their services.  Several major products within the pest control industry contain PFAS’s. 

The Meeting was adjourned at 11:28am.