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Directories Int'l Realty US Realty
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Crooked Exterminators Cost U.S. Millions Stuart Lieberman, Esq., Property owners who are being bugged by bugs sometimes become so desperate, they will do anything to get rid of the critters. On man recently used so many foggers that a stove pilot light sparked an explosion in his kitchen. But all too often, desperation has led to dangerous and costly problems.
Unfortunately, not all exterminators play by the rules. The result is not only dangerous, but very costly. One illegal chemical used by some crooked roach killers nationwide is called Methyl Parathion, or MP and the EPA estimates that the U.S. will have to spend $100 million to cleanup the devastation caused by those who illegally used this product inside the homes of the unsuspecting. In Chicago, authorities recently charged one man with illegally spraying MP in perhaps hundreds of homes. The suspect allegedly peddled the poison door to door to the unwary, who actually appreciated MP's effectiveness. The chemical is intended to be used in cotton fields, where it generally causes no danger. However when sprayed inside people's homes, it has been linked to severe nerve damage. The EPA will be required to gut the interior of heavily contaminated houses from coast to coast and re-sheetrock. Poisonous residue will have to be legally disposed of, which tends to be costly as well.
If you own or manage property and require the services of an exterminator, get a reliable exterminator with a history of solid performance. Ask what chemicals are being used and make sure they are legal in your community. Mistakes may be dangerous and very costly.
The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.
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The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act limits what can be used to a select list of approved chemicals. Many States have their own laws as well and there are hefty fines, and potential jail exposure, for violators.