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Pest Control Board Revokes Company's License for New Violations

SACRAMENTO — A Lemon Grove pest control company has lost its license as part of a settlement with the Department of Consumer Affairs' Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) over a number of violations of state law committed while the company was already on probation.

Owner-manager James Mack Hughes has turned in his operator's license and the company registration certificate for his business, Pace Termite and Pest Control, as part of a negotiated settlement with the SPCB.

"This company was given an opportunity to clean up its act, but unfortunately failed to do so," said Charlene Zettel, Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs. "We had no choice but to revoke its license in the interest of protecting consumers."

The settlement is the result of an SPCB investigation into work performed by Pace at several Southern California homes in 2002 and 2003. The investigation found that Pace:

• Falsely certified properties as free of infestations and infections when, in fact, evidence of drywood termites, decay fungi and termite-damaged wood remained in areas reported by the company as treated;
• Did not recommend the proper corrective measures or complete required repairs;
• Failed to pay full restitution after consumers filed complaints with the Board.

During this period, Pace was already on probation for similar violations.

"One of the conditions of probation was that Pace follow all of California's laws and regulations, or face revocation of their license," said SPCB Registrar Kelli Okuma. "Our investigation showed clearly that Pace was doing no such thing."

An additional condition of the settlement between the Board and Pace is that the company, should it ever seek reinstatement of its license, would be required to pay the $8,557.57 cost of the investigation. By law, Pace cannot seek reinstatement for at least a year.

The SPCB regulates individuals and companies engaged in the business of controlling various household pests, including rodents, vermin and insects, as well as wood-destroying pests and organisms in homes and other structures. The Board's primary goal is to ensure the health and safety of California consumers. For more information, visit the Board's Web site at www.pestboard.ca.gov.

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