This is the third episode in our new series covering the contents and consequences of information in a Structural Pest Control Report (SPC), and an agent’s duty to advise sellers and buyers on their respective responsibilities for the removal of pests and needed repairs.
The second episode covers Section I and Section II items in a standardized structural pest control inspection report.
Activities of a structural pest control operator
The individual or company who does the inspection and issues the report holds a Branch 3 Wood-Destroying Pest and Organisms License/Registration. Those with a Branch 3 license may:
- perform inspections for wood-destroying pests and organisms;
- issue inspection reports and completion notices;
- conduct treatments; and
- perform any repairs recommended on the inspection report.
When choosing an SPC company, the seller’s agent needs to protect their client and verify the individual or company’s license, the company’s registration, and the individual’s or company’s complaint history by calling the SPC Board at 916-561-8708 (in Sacramento) or 800-737-8188 ext. 2 (outside Sacramento), or at www.pestboard.ca.gov.
An inspection will cover all accessible areas to determine whether an active infestation or infection exists or if conditions which will likely lead to future infestations or infections exists.
Inaccessible areas do not need to be covered in an inspection.
An area is considered inaccessible if it cannot be inspected without opening the structure or removing the objects blocking the opening. Examples of inaccessible areas are:
- attics or areas without adequate crawl space;
- slab foundations without openings to bathroom plumbing;
- floors covered by carpeting;
- wall interiors; and
- locked storage areas.
