A Lexington, N.C., man was recently convicted in Guilford District Court of performing unlicensed pest control work following an investigation by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Pest Control Division.
As a result of the conviction, Michael Thomas Harrison received a 45-day suspended sentence, was ordered not to work in the pest control industry for two years and must repay the owner of the home he treated the $645 that was charged for services. He was also ordered to pay a $200 fine plus cost of court and was given three years of supervised probation.
"State pest control laws are designed to protect consumers against deceptive and unscrupulous practices, and our department follows up on all complaints regarding possible wrongdoing," said Agriculture Commissioner Britt Cobb. "Consumers need to know they can count on the pest control services being performed on their homes to protect their investment."
An investigation revealed Harrison took the initial call the homeowner made to the Greensboro office of Southeastern Exterminating, where Harrison worked. He allegedly scheduled an appointment, performed the service and requested the payment be made out in his name. Harrison also reportedly gave the homeowner his cell number for future work.
Under state law, Harrison was allowed to perform structural pest control services under the license of the pest control company, but he was not licensed to performed work on his own.
Division staff followed up on calls by both the homeowner and the pest control company, after the owner contacted the company and her name and property were not listed in the company's database.
