DATE:     9/18/96
CONTACT:  Cam Lay, (803) 792-2284
          Cecil Hernandez, (803) 792-0536

Not All Homes Flooded by Hurricane
Need to be Retreated for Termites

     CHARLESTON -- Not all homes flooded by hurricanes may
require retreatment in order to restore the termite barrier,
according to the state licensing and regulatory agency for pest
control operators.
     "There are two situations when homes flooded by the
hurricane will require retreatment in order to restore the
termite barrier," said Cam Lay, senior regulatory specialist with
the Clemson University Department of Pesticide Regulation.
     If the treated soil which forms the chemical barrier has
been eroded away, displaced, shifted or otherwise physically
disturbed, then retreatment will be necessary, he said. 
     "Remember, this includes the disturbance of the barrier
during the course of repairs, re-siring, etc. Most contracts
contain language covering these considerations," Lay said.
     The second situation requiring retreats following a
hurricane would involve significant siltation or deposition of
soil, sand or mud over the treated soil of the chemical barrier. 
     "Remember, simple flooding is not in itself cause for
retreatment," Lay said.
     Cecil Hernandez, a regulatory specialist who covers the 
Horry, Georgetown and Berkeley areas, said homeowners and pest
control operators should study their contracts carefully to
establish the responsibilities of both parties.
     "Every home in the geographic area affected by a storm will
not need to be retreated. Pest control companies should inspect
the affected homes which they have under contract to determine
whether that particular treatment has been compromised and
negotiate any necessary retreatment with each customer."
     Hernandez said homeowners should file the cost of cleanup,
including debris and mud around the periphery and in the
crawlspace, and termite retreatment as part of their losses. He
said most insurance companies accepted such claims after
Hurricane Hugo.
     The Department of Pesticide Regulation has 11 inspectors in
five field offices around the state, including three in the
coastal area. Lay advises persons who have questions regarding
the need for or legality of treatment to contact the Clemson
headquarters at (864) 646-2150 for the number of the nearest
field office in their area.
                               END