State inspection finds no violations after pest treatment at Arcadia Tractor Supply

ARCADIA, Fla. (WINK) — A weeks-long state investigation into pest control practices at an Arcadia farm supply store has officially closed with state inspectors finding no regulatory violations, following allegations raised by current and former employees over potential chemical exposure.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services launched its review after a WINK-Investigates report highlighted concerns surrounding an after-hours pest treatment at the local Tractor Supply store. Former sales manager Melissa Silpe and current store staff voiced safety concerns after a mite problem on animal feed was treated using thermal fogging in early June.

Employees reported entering the building the morning after the treatment to find residual mist in the air and a lack of warning signs posted on exterior doors. Several workers reported experiencing severe headaches, with at least two seeking hospital evaluation following the incident.

FDACS inspectors dispatched to the facility examined chemical labels, execution protocols, and pesticide application logs. According to state inspection records, commercial pest control company Terminix applied 41 ounces of Shockwave Fogging Concentrate via a thermal fogger after operating hours on June 2.

State investigators confirmed the applicator wore all required personal protective equipment, verified that no food was exposed, and confirmed that no unauthorized individuals or animals were present during the treatment. Officials noted that product labels mandate a 30-minute ventilation period before re-entry, and concluded the treatment adhered strictly to product label instructions and Florida pest control laws.

The state closed the case file without taking enforcement action or issuing penalties.

Terminix welcomed the state's conclusions in a statement sent to WINK Investigates, "Safety for people, pets, and the environment is our highest priority. We appreciate FDACS’s thorough review and are pleased that their findings confirm our team acted in full compliance with all state regulations and safety guidelines."

Representatives for Tractor Supply declined to provide further comment following the release of the report.

Despite the state's findings, Silpe has trouble believing no violations occurred.

"Do I agree with the full findings? No, I do not. The ones that were really close with all the situations, we know what happened,” she said.

She resigned her position prior to speaking out, a decision she said she stands by.

“Do I regret it? No, I'd do it again,” she added.

State inspectors noted that thermal fogging labels require a thirty-minute ventilation period and proper air dispersion before re-entry. While multiple staff members claim they experienced effects after entering the store, investigators found no violations within those standards.

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