Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH)
The rules apply to all urban pest control operators, urban pest control applicators, and owners, operators, or administrators of land, places, buildings, residences, public places, establishments, ports, airports, vessels, aircraft, or any other means of conveyances and similar establishments.
Vermin refers to a group of insects or small animals such as flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, fleas, lice, bedbugs, mice, rats, and others which are vectors of diseases.
An urban pest control operator must have a sanitary permit issued by the local health officer and employ an accredited urban pest control applicator as a requirement for the issuance of the sanitary permit.
Any person who violates the provisions shall be guilty of misdemeanor and upon conviction punished by imprisonment of up to six months or by a fine not exceeding ₱1,000, or both at the discretion of the court.
They must secure a health certificate issued by the city/municipal health officer after passing the required physical and medical examinations and immunizations.
They are responsible for enforcing the rules, directing periodic sanitary inspections, preparing control programs, conducting public health campaigns, and approving vermin abatement programs among other duties.
The sanitary permit is valid for one year, ending on the last day of December each year, and must be renewed annually.
The establishment is rated based on demerits from a 20-item inspection form, with ratings expressed as percentages. Ratings of 90-100% are 'Excellent', 70-89% 'Very satisfactory', 50-69% 'Satisfactory', and below 50% recommend suspension.
They must provide annual medical check-ups for personnel, personal protective equipment, safety trainings, first-aid facilities, separate pesticide storage, adequate water and washing facilities, and emergency handling plans.
No, poison baits or pesticides must not be exposed in food processing, food manufacturing, food establishments, or places selling, serving, or storing food to prevent contamination.