San Diego, CA – Springtime marks the beginning of honeybee swarming season in Southern California. During bee season, these stinging insects will withdraw from their inactivity of winter and begin to collect pollen and search for ideal nesting territories as they create new bee colonies. Consequently, bee infestations often occur at residential homes and commercial structures by bees that have found the location as a suitable nesting ground.
A common reaction for property owners with a bee infestation is to consult with a business that specializes in bee eradication. Often these companies are small businesses with inadequate licensing or insurance coverage performing accident-prone work on private property.
As exemplified in relevant situations last year, numerous homeowners in San Diego County were left responsible for structural damage and/or medical bills from mishaps that occurred during a bee removal service from an unlicensed, uninsured company.
In California, the state requires a license for any individual applying pesticides, rodenticides, or allied chemicals for the purpose of eliminating pests or organisms.
Ben Hoy, a bee removal specialist from Pro Pacific Bee Removal , said, “If a company is uninsured then it is not possible to obtain licensing from the state and vice versa.”
Legally, homeowners are potentially liable for injuries sustained by a worker not covered by worker’s compensation insurance. Homeowners face significant financial loss and risk of worker injury when they hire illegitimate contractors.
Recently, the Contractors State License Board set up a sting operation program, titled “California Blitz”, around seven different counties in the state of California. The operation led to 110 arrests and Notices to Appear in criminal court with misdemeanor charges of contracting without a license.
Homeowners are encouraged to verify licenses of pest control applicators at pestboard.ca.gov/license.
