W. Va. Code R. § 61-12C-4

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 61-12C-4 - Minimum Standards for Termite Control of Existing Structures in West Virginia

4.1. Licensed pesticide application businesses engaged in termite control on existing structures shall, as a minimum standard for termite treatment, make pesticide applications according to the following procedures:

4.1.a. Structures with basements - Outside Treatment.

4.1.a.A. Poured concrete foundations. For solid concrete foundations, the soil must be treated to a depth of at least one foot below grade completely around the structure by rodding and/or trenching. The rate of application must be according to the directions on the label that is on file with the commissioner for the pesticide being used. When a poured concrete foundation is cracked, the treatment used at the site of the crack and for at least 4 feet on either side of the crack shall be the same as that required for unit masonry foundations.

4.1.a.B. Unit masonry foundations. Soil treatment shall extend to the top of the footing. The rate of application must be according to the directions for use on the pesticide label on file with the commissioner. Applications may be made by trenching, rodding or pressure injection or a combination of these methods. The pesticide must reach the footer and be evenly distributed to grade.

4.1.a.C. The voids of unit masonry foundation walls must be treated at the minimum rate of 1 gallon of use dilution for each 5 linear feet around the entire structure, unless the directions on the label of the pesticide being used specifically states otherwise, in which case, the label directions must be followed.

4.1.a.D. Attached porches, entrance platforms, utility entrances, patios, driveways, and similar structures where a solid slab abutting the foundation exists at ground level, shall be treated by drilling the slab at least every 18 inches at a point no greater than 18 inches from the adjacent foundation and injecting the pesticide at the rate provided on the pesticide label into the soil beneath. When the slab is above grade and filled below, the fill shall be similarly treated. When a crawl space exists under an attached structure the soil adjacent to the foundation shall be treated as required in sub-paragraph 4.1.a.C of this rule. Piers, pillars, etc., shall be treated as masonry foundations and any voids in unit masonry piers should be treated as required in sub-paragraph 4.1.a.C. of this rule.

4.1.b. Structures with basements - Inside Treatment

4.1.b.A. The soil under the basement floor adjacent to the foundation, whether the foundation is unit masonry or poured concrete must be treated by drilling through the slab and injecting the pesticide at the rate of application specified on the label for the pesticide being used. Drill holes shall be placed at intervals no greater than 18 inches apart and at a point no greater than 18 inches from the adjacent wall being protected.

4.1.b.B. Voids in unit masonry foundation walls in the area of filled porches, entrances and other similar areas may have to be drilled and treated from the inside when outside treatment of the voids is impossible due to the attached structure.

4.1.c. Slab-On-Ground Construction - Outside Treatment

4.1.c.A. A treatment shall be made along the outside of the foundation walls and the outside walls of the attached porches, entry ways, etc. by trenching or rodding to the top of the footer but no deeper than 30 inches. Pesticide treatments shall be made in a manner as prescribed for structures with basements. Voids in unit masonry foundation walls shall be treated as in structures with basements.

4.1.d. Slab-On-Ground Construction - Inside Treatment

4.1.d.A. The soil under the slab adjacent to the foundation shall be treated with a pesticide at the rate of application provided for on the label of the pesticide being used. In some instances this may be done by drilling completely through the foundation wall from the outside and in other instances the slab will need to be drilled from the inside. The soil under porches or entry floors, whether filled or with a crawl space, shall be treated as structures with basements as required in paragraph 4.1.b of this rule. The soil under patios, driveways, walks, and other places where they abut the foundation shall be treated as structures with basements as required in paragraph 4.1.b of this rule. The soil under expansion joints, cracks in the slab, and other openings in the slab shall be treated by drilling and injection at the rate prescribed on the label of the pesticide being used. Care should be exercised to avoid damage to underground utilities. Building plans should be consulted prior to drilling if possible.

4.1.d.B. Voids in unit masonry foundation walls in the area of filled porches, entrances, and other similar units may have to be drilled and treated from the inside when outside treatment of the voids is impossible due to the attached structure.

4.1.e. Crawl Space Construction - Outside Treatment

4.1.e.A. Treatment around the perimeter of crawl space construction structures shall be identical to that prescribed for structures with basements as required in paragraph 4.1.b of this rule.

4.1.f. Crawl Space Construction - Inside Treatment

4.1.f.A. Treatments shall be made according to the direction on the label for that pesticide being used for termite control.

4.1.f.B. All wood scraps and other materials containing cellulose large enough to be picked up or raked up with a common garden rake shall be removed from under the structure. All termite shelter tubes shall be removed prior to application of the pesticide. If termite shelter tubes have been built away from the foundation, pillars, or piers, the infested area of ground shall be treated according to directions on the pesticide label.

4.1.g. Porches or Entrance Platforms - Treatment around piers, foundations, or pillars shall be done in the same manner as treatments under the structure, or if the porch or entrance platform is above grade and filled, the treatment shall be as required in structures with basements as required in paragraph 4.1.a of this rule.

4.2. Partial Treatment.

4.2.a. The procedures detailed in the paragraphs 4.1.a and 4.1.b of this rule - Structures with Basements; paragraphs 4.1.c and 4.1.d - Slab-on-Ground Construction; and paragraphs 4.1.e and 4.1.f of this rule - Crawl Space Construction shall be the minimum treatment procedures for termite control in West Virginia when a guarantee or warranty is issued indicating or implying that complete termite control has been performed. The treatments made by a procedure not meeting these requirements shall be termed PARTIAL TREATMENTS in any written or verbal agreement whether or not a guarantee of termite control is issued.

W. Va. Code R. § 61-12C-4