California Rejects Request to Ban Sulfuryl Fluoride

There is welcome news for fumigators this quarter, with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently denying requests to regulate sulfuryl fluoride as a greenhouse gas and ban its use in the state. The continued permitted use of sulfuryl fluoride in California recognizes that a ban would have led to numerous adverse economic and societal consequences.

Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC), in conjunction with Douglas Products, led an effort to respond to the petitioners seeking to regulate sulfuryl fluoride. The industry responded vigorously to the call, and CARB received more than 1,800 letters from individuals supporting the continued permitted use of sulfuryl fluoride, in addition to letters from 42 associations and individual pest-control companies representing agriculture, real estate, housing, technology and the larger California business community.

“I have no doubt the industry’s response to this issue helped produce this favorable outcome,” says Heather Kern, commercial leader, Pest Management Division, North America, Douglas Products. “We thank everyone in the pest-control industry, and the California business community, who recognized it was important for the state to permit the continued use of sulfuryl fluoride.”

As a result of this decision, pest management professionals can continue to offer fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride as a cornerstone of their business, and homeowners can retain the ability to choose a solution that eliminates 100% of drywood termites from their residence with one treatment — and protect their investment.

As part of its decision, CARB agreed to “further study and dialogue” around the use of sulfuryl fluoride in California and is committed to remaining engaged with all stakeholders. It is possible that PCOC and Douglas Products might again ask their stakeholders, industry professionals and others to respond if necessary.

Douglas Products will always keep you informed about this and other essential pest-control industry matters. If you have any questions about sulfuryl fluoride use in California, please talk with your Douglas Products representative.