| A Critical Analysis of NSW Govt Pest Control Licensing |
| NSW Pest Control Licensing is inadequate - it is far too easy to start up a pest control business in NSW, employing people to use the more toxic pesticides who do not have the training or skills to provide a safe and effective service.
NSW Pest Control Licensing system is subject to National "competency" assessment guidelines. Mediocre testing can be carried by Private Workplace Assessors (not part of TAFE system). The so-called competency assessment can be a combination of oral, written and visual tests. The extent of testing is unable to be reviewed by third parties. Private assessors are given general guidelines in the National competency standards but there is no set standard test or specific knowledge requirements. Once privately assessed as "competent" the relevant State Authority (the EPA of NSW) will issue a pest control licence. There is no published list of the private Workplace Assessors so it is difficult to gauge the extent of the problem or if the Workplace Assessors are qualified in pest control. The system is NOT working: Rumours run rife of individuals being assessed and issued a licence with inadequate knowledge and no provable experience in pest control. Such rudimentary "competency" testing appears aimed more at the private assessors getting paid than protection of the consumer. Unrealistic price cutting and resultant inadequate servicing regularly occurs throughout NSW, with some new start pest control businesses operating from a rented residence using a mobile phone number - here today - gone tomorrow. The most common complaint about some fly-by-night pest controllers is that "the service has not worked - the pests are back" or "the termites are still active in the house" and the business has disappeared. Using the cheaper more toxic pesticides? BEWARE of very low prices, as this may indicate use of unskilled technicians applying the cheaper old style more toxic pesticides. A hazard to themselves and the general public. Modern pest control technologies are safer and more environmentally friendly but are more expensive and require a higher level of skill to ensure an effective result. |
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In most cases a serious pest infestation will require the use of a pesticide, in order to minimise the risk of on-going pest infestation. There are modern pest control products available to suit environmentally sensitive situations. |
Review and assess the company's credentials track record, level of staff training and expertise, insurance cover, warranties offered and safety aspects employed. |
| Obtain several quotes and check out each of the companies First enquire as to how long the business has been established. Do they have a good reputation in the market-place. Are they a member of a recognised Pest Control Association?
Ask questions: about the relevant pests in your premises and the different treatment options the company employs, the chemicals used, their toxicity and safety aspects. Compare notes. Which company seems more professional? Insured? Make sure the company carries professional indemnity and public liability insurance particularly if you are seeking termite control services and inspection reports. Be present during the termite inspection: Study the general presentation of the inspector, such as, was the inspector in company uniform, with proper identification? Did he/she arrive in a tidy motor vehicle and use quality equipment, including a moisture meter? Was a thorough inspection carried out? Were you presented with informative documentation regarding the inspection findings and treatment proposals? Did he/she adequately explain the alternatives so you are confident he/she knew his/her subject matter? Were there any other aspects that may indicate professionalism or otherwise? Make notes and comparisons. Enquire re qualifications and experience of termite inspector: Does he/she have a TAFE Pest Control Certificate and a current NSW Govt EPA issued pest control license. Is the technician a Trainee? You should cite his/her EPA pest control license, noting name, number and expiry date. Does the company use employees or sub-contractors: Be wary of companies with sub-contractors as problems may occur as the sub-contractors are obliged to pay for the supply of chemical and other costs but do not assume responsibility if the service proves to be inadequate at a later date. Ask about any applicable back-up service period: For example, a company may provide you with a twelve month "FREE service period" for a chemical soil barrier treatment where the termite controller is confident a complete barrier is in place around the entire foot-print or perimeter of the building. This annual service period may be extended annually thereafter (at the customers option) provided necessary regular inspections and other essential control measures are carried out as recommended. Be wary of companies that offer a 10 or 20 year warranty for termite protection as this commits you for that period, so you have to obtain (pay for) regular inspections and other work whether or not you want it. Such a long term warranty offer is usually unrealistic and a sign of short-term intentions. |
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| Books & References on Professional Pest Control |
Award Winner FUMAPEST Termite & Pest Control received a Business Enterprise Award from the NSW Govt Office of Small Business for development of its EcoSafe pestcontrol technologies. APCA Member FUMAPEST Termite & Pest Control is a member and major sponsor of the Australian Pest Control Association; regularly assists APCA Secretariat in providing professional advice to consumers with pest control problems; pesticide safety issues and training courses in NSW. Industry Stewardship FUMAPEST Director served on NSW Govt Pest Control Licence Board and Standards Australia Committees - Termite Control AS.3660 & Termite Inspection Reports AS.4349. Insurance Details FUMAPEST Termite & Pest Control maintains public liability and professional indemnity insurance for personal injury and faulty workmanship cover of $20m and $1m respectively. Commercial Food Handling Premises FUMAPEST is compliant with HACCP Requirements for commercial food handling premises - restaurants - cafes -hotels - motels - hospitals - child care centres - nursing homes - retirement villages - churches - schools - colleges- universities - race-horse stables - veterinary clinics and other sensitive environments. Professional technicians FUMAPEST Pest Control Training Program regularly assesses technician skills in use of latest generation products • all termite control technicians have APCA or TAFE Pest Control Certificate • NSW Govt EPA Pest Control Licence • and many years field-work experience in termite control. Setting the Standard in an industry many fly-by-night operators, FUMAPEST Pest Control stands out as a well established pest control business with an excellent reputation in the market-place. Be careful in selecting a pest controller it's far too easy to get a pest control licence and start up a pest control business in NSW with little knowledge or experience ... more details |
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| FUMAPEST Termite & Pest Control services the ku-ring-gai Council Region |
