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A pest control license is more than just a piece of paper; it’s proof of an exterminator’s expertise and adherence to industry standards. Having a pest control certification shows that the pest control professional has completed their training, has the required knowledge, and is experienced in applying pesticides safely. Licensed pest control exterminators also offer peace of mind to customers regarding the quality of their services.
Pest control can be a rewarding and lucrative career for just about anyone. According to Craig Sansig, service director at Viking Pest Control in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, “No prior experience is needed, but a good understanding of environmental and life sciences will make things easier. A background in construction is also often helpful. If you are considering this as a career, a formal degree in entomology with an emphasis on urban pest management would be helpful.”
Knowing how to get a pest control license is an important step for anyone who wants to work in the field of pest management and become a trained professional. Obtaining a license ensures that the pest control business follows the strict standards and regulations required to legally provide services to protect homes and businesses from unwanted pests. The license also shows that the professional is properly trained in pest management and can handle a variety of pest control issues.
To get a pest control license, applicants will need to complete training and pass a certification exam in order to show their understanding and skills in pest management. Licensed pest control professionals are also listed in their state’s pest control license lookup database and are recognized as licensed professionals in the industry. Therefore, when clients are choosing a termite company or other type of pest control company, they can check to make sure the business they’re considering is properly licensed.
Before You Begin…
Before diving into the steps necessary to get a pest control license, it’s important for aspiring exterminators to be aware of any potential issues or exceptions along the way. It’s useful for them to note that the requirements for getting pest control licensing can vary depending on location. Different states, counties, or cities might have their own specific regulations, so it’s essential for a future pest control professional to double-check the rules in their area before proceeding.
Applicants will want to keep in mind that the process of getting licensed can sometimes be lengthy and involve multiple steps, such as completing training programs, passing exams, or gaining practical hands-on experience. Being prepared for these types of challenges and understanding the process can help make the application process easier, and the applicant will be more equipped to take on their goal of competing with the best mouse exterminators or the best cockroach exterminators in their area.
Tips for Getting a Pest Control License
- Research the specific state requirements to get a pest control license.
- Enroll in any required training programs or courses.
- Gain practical experience in the field of pest control through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions.
- Study for the required exams and use study materials that are available through industry resources.
- Submit a license application to the appropriate state offices. Be sure to include any required documentation and fees.
- After getting a pest control license, be aware of the renewal requirements and deadlines.
Documents Required to Get a Pest Control License
- Application form. Applicants will need to complete and submit an application form provided by the local office that’s responsible for issuing pest control licenses.
- Proof of training or education. Most areas require applicants to provide proof of completing a training program or formal education in pest control. This can include certificates from training courses or diplomas from accredited colleges and universities.
- Proof of experience. This can include documentation of previous employment within the field or letters of recommendation from supervisors or colleagues.
- Identification papers. These can include a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID.
- Proof of insurance. Many states require pest control professionals to carry liability insurance. Applicants may need to show proof of insurance as part of the licensing process.
- Background check. Depending on the location, applicants may also need to undergo a background check to make sure they meet the industry standards to hold a pest control license.
- Fees. Just like for any type of license, there are fees involved with getting a pest control license.
STEP 1: Contact the Association of American Pesticide Control Officials (AAPCO) control office in your state to see what types of pesticide licenses are required.
According to Sansig, “Most states require anyone working for a profit or intending to do work on property not owned and occupied by them to have a license to apply pesticides. Being licensed helps to ensure you understand the basics of pesticide safety, its risks, and how to mitigate those risks.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains that though federal law requires anyone who applies pesticides to be licensed, the licensing requirements differ by state. In order for applicants to know the specific type of pesticide licenses that are required in their state, they’ll want to contact their local branch of the Association of American Pesticide Control Officials (AAPCO). This organization can provide detailed information that’s specific to the location’s regulations and requirements. For pest control professionals, the AAPCO is a valuable resource since it can provide guidelines on licensing, legislation, and industry standards.
“Being licensed also allows the applicator to utilize restricted use pesticides (RUPs),” explains Sansig. “These are essentially pesticides that are not permitted to be sold to the general public. If you compare pesticides to medications, restricted use products are the equivalent of prescription materials whereas general use products are akin to over-the-counter medications. While they may carry increased risks, RUPs also tend to be more effective when used correctly.”
It’s recommended for aspiring exterminators to reach out to their state’s AAPCO office through its official website or contact information. The AAPCO will be able to advise applicants on the types of pesticide licenses that are needed to legally operate in the state, as well as provide help with the application process. By consulting with the AAPCO, applicants can make sure they are familiar with the pesticide licensing regulations in the area. If an unlicensed person does pest control work, especially if they are handling pesticides and other potentially dangerous materials, the penalty can be hefty fines and in some areas, even jail time.
| State | Pest Control License Requirements |
| Alabama | License required for any type of pest control work. Information for commercial licenses can be found at Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. |
| Alaska | License required for both commercial and private pesticide application. Licenses are available through the Alaska Division of Environmental Health Pesticide Control Program. |
| Arizona | Any work in the pest control field requires a license. License information can be found through the Arizona Department of Agriculture. |
| Arkansas | Commercial pest control applicators must be licensed. Information can be found through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. |
| California | Any person performing pest control for hire needs a license. Information can be found via the state’s Pest Control Business License Packet. |
| Colorado | Anyone applying pesticides needs a license for pest control. Applying for a license can be done at the state’s Pesticide Applicator Licensing Online Portal. |
| Connecticut | For any pesticides applied commercially, a personal certification, as well as a business registration, is required. Details on how to get a license can be found through the Pesticide Management Program. |
| Delaware | Any type of pesticide application requires a license. License information can be found at the Delaware Department of Agriculture. |
| Florida | A license is needed for any type of pest control. Information on how to obtain a license can be found through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. |
| Georgia | An individual must have a Category 41 license to apply pesticides. Information can be found via the UGA Pesticide Safety Education Program. |
| Hawaii | A license is required to apply pesticides, regardless of the type of product. An application form can be found through the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional and Vocational Licensing Division. |
| Idaho | Everyone who applies pesticides needs a license. Information regarding licensing can be found through the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. |
| Illinois | No license is required to apply 25(b) natural products. Those applying restricted-use pesticides need a license. Information can be found via the Illinois General Assembly. |
| Indiana | A license is required to apply any type of pesticide. A list of contacts regarding pesticides can be found through the Office of Indiana State Chemist. |
| Iowa | Spraying pesticides requires a license and certification. An application can be found through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. |
| Kansas | A license is needed for any type of pesticide work. Information can be found via the Kansas Department of Agriculture. |
| Kentucky | A pest control license is needed for applying pesticides. Detailed information can be found through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. |
| Louisiana | Licensing and certification is needed to apply pesticides. All information can be found through the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. |
| Maine | Applicators of all pesticides need to be licensed. Licensing and certification rules can be found via the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. |
| Maryland | A Certified Applicator’s License and a pest control business license is needed to apply pesticides. Information can be found via the Pesticide Applicator Certification and Business Licensing Requirements. |
| Massachusetts | A license is required when restricted-use pesticides are used. The use of general-use pesticides does not require a license, but individuals need to be trained to comply with the Worker Protection Standard. Additional information can be found on the Pesticide Program page. |
| Michigan | License is required to apply all types of pesticides. Applications can be accessed via the Pesticide Application Businesses page. |
| Minnesota | Applicators must have the appropriate license. Requirements can be found through the Commercial Pesticide Applicator License page. |
| Mississippi | License is needed to apply all types of pesticides. More information can be found through the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. |
| Missouri | Those applying pesticides need a commercial applicator license. Steps for obtaining a license can be found on the Certified Applicators and Operators page. |
| Montana | A Commercial Applicators license is required. Information about obtaining a license can be found on the Pesticide License Program page. |
| Nebraska | A license is required to apply restricted-use pesticides but not 25(b) natural products. Visit the Pesticide page for detailed information. |
| Nevada | Licensing is required to apply all types of pesticides. Information can be found at the Pesticide Applicator Certification and Training page. |
| New Hampshire | Applicators are required to have a license regardless of pesticide type. Additional information can be found at the Commercial Applicator Licensing page. |
| New Jersey | A license is not needed to apply 25(b) natural products, but if a professional is hired to apply pesticides, they need a Pesticide Applicator Business License. Information can be found through the Department of Environmental Protection Compliance and Enforcement. |
| New Mexico | A license is needed to apply any type of pesticides. The type of license depends on the type of work. Information and resources can be found on the Pesticide Compliance page. |
| New York | A license is required to apply all types of pesticides. Information can be found through the Pesticide Applicator/Technician Certification page. |
| North Carolina | Any type of pesticide application requires a license. Information on certification and licensing can be found via the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. |
| North Dakota | A license is required to apply any type of pesticide. Information on how to be certified can be found through the NDSU Extension Pesticide Certification Program. |
| Ohio | Licensing is required to apply pesticides. Information on how to obtain a license can be found on the OSU Pesticide Safety Education Program page. |
| Oklahoma | License required for any type of pest control work. More information can be found through the Oklahoma Combined Pesticide Law and Rules page. |
| Oregon | License required for any type of pest control work. Information can be found at the Pesticide Licensing and Continuing Education Hub. |
| Pennsylvania | A license is required for all types of pesticide application. Licensing information can be found through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. |
| Rhode Island | License is needed for any type of pest control work. Information on how to obtain a license can be found via the Pesticide Safety and IPM Training page. |
| South Carolina | Any type of pest control activity requires a license. Information on how to get a license can be found through the Clemson University Pesticide Regulation page. |
| South Dakota | A commercial pesticide license is needed to apply any type of pest control. Information can be found through the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. |
| Tennessee | A certified applicator license is required for pest control. Additional information can be found via the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. |
| Texas | A license is needed for any type of pest control. More information can be found through the Texas Department of Agriculture. |
| Utah | To apply any type of pesticide, a license is needed. More information can be found via the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. |
| Vermont | A license is needed to apply pesticides, regardless of the type. Information about licensing can be found through the Agency of Agriculture. |
| Virginia | Individuals need a Commercial Pesticide Applicator or Registered Technician certification to legally apply pesticides. Detailed information can be found through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. |
| Washington | License is needed for any type of pest control. Details can be found on the Pesticide License Types page. |
| West Virginia | Applying pesticides of any kind requires a license. Information about licensing requirements can be found on the Pesticide Applicator Licensing and Certification page. |
| Wisconsin | A license is needed to apply any type of pesticides. License application information can be found through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. |
| Wyoming | Any type of pesticide application requires a license. Information about obtaining a license can be found via the Pesticide Safety Education Program page. |
STEP 2: Check to see whether your state requires any additional business licenses.
It’s important for applicants to check whether their state has any additional requirements for different types of business licenses. Each state has its own set of rules, so it’s recommended that applicants take a moment and look into whether there are any extra licenses that are needed. The process of getting a business license is a straightforward step that ensures applicants are following all the regulations and can avoid any surprises.
STEP 3: Complete any training required to apply for a pest control license.
Before applying for a pest management license, an applicant will need to finish any required training. The type of training is usually mandated by state regulations and can include a variety of pest control tasks—from identifying pests to applying pesticides safely. Training serves as the first step in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills to apply for structural pest control board licensing. Depending on the area, training can be completed by working as an apprentice, taking formal classes, or a combination of both. The length of training varies by state, so it’s recommended that aspiring pest control professionals check with their state’s pesticide training program requirements to become certified in pest control.
STEP 4: Sign up for the necessary tests and study the applicable material.
To prepare for the pest control licensing exams, it’s important for the applicant to register for the tests and dedicate time to studying. These exams typically cover a range of topics, including pest identification, pesticide application techniques, safety protocols, and local laws and regulations.
“Most states have manuals available for the category of licensing you wish to obtain,” explains Sansig. “Most states have a common ‘core’ license that is obtained by all applicators regardless of license specialty. This core license shows competency in skills needed common to all treatment specialties like label reading, documentation, notification regulations, spill management, and basic chemical safety. Specialties for applicator licenses include Wood Destroying Insects, School Treatment and IPM, Ornamental and Turf Pest Management, Fumigation, Food Processing, and Mosquito Control to name just a few.”
STEP 5: Submit your license application and pay any required fees.
Once an applicant has completed their training and taken their exams, the next step is to submit their license application and pay the application fees. This process usually involves filling out an application form and providing documentation to support their qualifications. There are always application fees involved, which can vary depending on the location and the type of business license. This is the final step toward obtaining a pest control license and officially entering the pest control field.
STEP 6: Familiarize yourself with the license renewal intervals and set reminders to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
It’s crucial for pest control professionals to know when their license needs to be renewed. Many licenses will need to be renewed quarterly or yearly, depending on the state. Setting reminders for these deadlines can help professionals avoid any lapses in their licensing so their credentials stay valid. It’s recommended for pest control professionals to use reminders that work the best for them, whether it’s digital calendars, smartphone apps, or traditional paper planners. Staying organized and proactive can help professionals stay ahead of the license renewal process so they can keep practicing legally in their state.
STEP 7: Choose the best business structure and register your business with the state.
Choosing the best business structure is an important decision when starting a pest control business. Common choices include sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Each type has its own regulations for liability, taxes, and how the business is operated, so it’s essential for an entrepreneur to give it some careful thought. Working with one of the best LLC services, such as LegalZoom or Northwest Registered Agent, can help entrepreneurs ensure they are checking all the legal boxes when starting a pest control business.
Once a business structure is chosen, the next step is for the owner to register the business with the state. This involves filing the necessary paperwork and paying the fees to officially establish the business. Registering the business allows the owner to start hiring employees and taking pest control calls. In some states, a business license may be required before an individual can get their pest control license.
Taking the time to choose the right business structure and register the business ensures the organization is set up for success in the pest control industry. It provides a solid foundation and establishes credibility with the public.
STEP 8: Obtain business insurance coverage to meet state requirements and protect your business and customers.
Getting coverage from one of the best small-business insurance providers, like NEXT Insurance or Thimble, is an important step in meeting state requirements and safeguarding the business. There are various types of insurance that may be required, including general liability insurance, which protects against third-party claims for personal injury or property damage. Professional liability insurance, also called errors and omissions insurance, can provide coverage for claims related to mistakes that can be made during pest control services. Workers’ compensation is another type of insurance that covers employees’ medical expenses and lost wages in case of injuries or illnesses sustained while on the job.
Pest control can be a rewarding career with a steady demand. There will always be customers willing to pay pest control costs to have a professional treat and prevent pest infestation. Each state requires pest control professionals to carry a valid license in order to apply pesticides, and there are several important steps involved in getting a pest control license. Planning ahead is important to make sure a professional is following state laws by having the right documentation, securing the correct licenses, and choosing the best business structure for them.