How Much Is A Pest Control License?
“How much is a pest control license?” Today’s post answers this common question and explains how Pestmaster supports your licensing and certification at every stage, in any state. Read on or call 800-525-8866 for state-specific information.
How Much Does It Cost To License My Pest Control Business?
The exact amount required for a pest control business license varies from state to state, as well as the type of service you intend to provide.
But wherever you choose to launch your pest control business, Pestmaster makes it easy. We provide full support with all business licensing and expedition, with the average business up and running within 3 to 6 weeks of the owner signing the franchise agreement.
Who Needs To Be Certified To Apply Pesticides?
Federal law states that any person who applies or supervises the use of restricted use pesticides (RUPs) must be certified in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, as well as any state, territorial, and tribal laws. If you aren’t sure about whether or not your products appear on the RUP list, please review the EPA’s 2019 Restricted Use Product Summary Report, or contact Pestmaster.
Importantly, the EPA does not require that pest control business owners be certified—only those who actively apply pesticides, or supervise their application in the field. Accordingly, if you choose to operate your business primarily as a service coordinator, sales person, or office manager, you may never need to be certified yourself. Instead, you may choose to hire or train certified pest control technicians. This is a popular option among Pestmaster owners.
How Do I Get Certified To Apply Pesticides?
The exact process differs depending on the state, territorial, and tribal authorities involved, as well as the certification you need.
If you intend to apply pesticides only for the production of an agricultural commodity on land that you or your employer owners or rents, you are a private applicator. If you intend to apply pesticides anywhere else, you’ll need a commercial applicator’s license.
The majority of readers will want a commercial applicator’s license, which requires that you show practical knowledge of:
- Pesticide label and labeling comprehension
- Safety, including pesticide hazards, first aid, personal protective equipment, and emergency response
- The effects of pesticides on the environment
- Pest identification and management
- Pesticide formulations
- Pesticide application equipment
- Proper pesticide application techniques
- Pesticide laws and regulations
Commercial applicators must demonstrate their knowledge by passing a written test, performance-based test, and EPA approval system. Additionally, most states require one to two years in the field working under a qualified license holder.
All told, there are 10 federal categories of certification that could be required by state, territory, and tribal authorities, depending on your business’s services, including:
- Agricultural pests control
- Forest pest control
- Ornamental and turf pest control
- Seed treatment
- Aquatic pest control
- Right-of-way pest control
- Industrial, institutional, structural, and health-related pest control
- Public health pest control
- Regulatory pest control
- Demonstration and research pest control
Whatever certification you need, Pestmaster is here to help connect your business with qualified license holders.
For more information about state-specific certifications, please visit the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency website, or contact a Pestmaster representative to learn how we simplify the whole process.
Get More Help With Pest Control Business Licensing Through Pestmaster
Whether you need help with your business license or commercial applicators’ certification, Pestmaster can help. Learn more by visiting the Pestmaster website or calling 800-525-8866.
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