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A Maryland-based pest control company, Kenmore Pest Control & Termite Services, is being held accountable for polluting D.C. and must pay the district $137,000 in penalties and environmental clean-up costs.
Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb said, “Washingtonians have a right to be safe from toxic contamination in their homes and neighborhoods.”
“This settlement continues to make clear that if you violate our environmental protection laws, damage our natural resources, and threaten the health and safety of our residents, the Office of Attorney General will hold you accountable,” they added.
As per the OAG’s investigation, Kenmore Pest Control & Termite Services has applied highly toxic pesticides around apartment complexes in Mayfair Mansion Apartments and Columbia Heights Village.
The toxic pesticides were reportedly applied in areas that were easily accessible to children and pets. This has even led to a dog being poised by the company’s pesticide at Columbia Heights Village.
D.C. Assistant Attorney General Wesley Rosenfeld reveals to WTOP, “On one occasion, a resident’s dog consumed the pesticide.”
“Our investigation showed that the dog was harmed and that the resident had incurred veterinary expenses,” Rosenfeld added.
The dog is reportedly doing well now but the dog owner had to take the pooch to the vet to have its stomach pumped.
And on top of this, the pest control company has been misleading the public saying that they are complying with DC laws claiming that their employees are “fully licensed” and “certified”.
When in fact, Kenmore Pest Control & Termite Services has been allowing unqualified employees to apply pesticide for years.
“According to Kenmore’s records, from 2019 to 2022, employees without legally required licenses or registrations applied restricted use pesticides,” the OAG reveals.
Aside from the penalties, the pest control company will enter a three-year probationary period that ensures all of their future violations will be met with swift consequences.
“The company’s employees are also barred from applying pesticides until they are properly trained,” the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) further reveals in their statement.
Moving forward, Kenmore Pest Control & Termite Services employees are barred from applying pesticides until they receive eight hours of training in pest management from a course approved by DC, Maryland, or Virginia.
