Watch CBS News

Terminix To Pay $10 Million After Illegally Using Pesticides That Sickened A Delaware Family

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The pest control company, Terminix has agreed to pay $10 million for applying restricted use pesticides to residences in the U.S Virgin Islands.

The company was charged with multiple violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act for illegally applying fumigants that contained methyl bromide in residential areas in the Virgin Islands.

One of the locations where the fumigants were applied was a condominium resort in St. John where the Esmond family of Delaware was vacationing last spring.

The Esmond's and their two teenage sons were hospitalized in Philadelphia in critical condition after the vacation.

Terminix agreed to pay $10 million in criminal fines, community service and restitution payments. The company has stopped using pesticides containing methyl bromide, except for the completion of one government contract at the Port of Baltimore.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.