New to entrepreneurship? Worry not. We’re here to help. Let’s understand Pest Control Business License – What’s the Process in the US?
Licensing is the utmost priority if you’re starting a business from scratch.
A Pest Control Business License is even more critical, considering the nature of the business. Your work includes the use of scheduled chemicals and drugs. And your license permits your team to use those.
Here, we will provide a brief idea of the significant licensing steps. However, you are in the driver’s seat. So, you need to be aware of your business needs first.
After you decide upon your business’s nature, we can talk.
I recommend entrepreneurs get an LLC license for a start. Later, you can upgrade to a corporation license when your business sees sunny days.
What happens if you operate without a license?
In the U.S., working without a license has created nuisances. CNN investigated that pest control chemicals are often sold illegally in milk tetra packs. Frequently, such NPCA reports are cited by CNN.
One such report records pest control agencies using agricultural-grade chemicals.
That’s where licenses come in the scene. It ensures that your business works legally and ethically. But many don’t know what they would face if caught working without a license-
- You may have to pay $5000 and
- be behind bars for one year
- Cases may even escalate to removal proceedings and
- Being blacklisted (you may not EXIT and open another business after that)
That’s not all. You may be sued if employees get hurt working for your unlicensed business.
Mandatory licenses to begin with
Here, we are talking about a Pest Control Business License. So, you need a business license first. After that, you can legally run a business in the U.S. Then, you need a pest control license, depending on the nature of your services. It also depends on where you are in the U.S.
If you need credible ideas to start a successful pest control business, read how to get funding for a Pest Control Business.
Now let’s heed to the central Pest Control Business License you’d need:
Business License
The local city or county council will give you the business license.
To apply for the business license, you need the following:
- Physical address of your business
- Your business name
- Nature of your business with every clinical detail
- Contact details of your business
- Pay licensing fees, as per the state’s norm (for example- the LLC registration fee in Texas is $310)
Now, you need a targeted pest control business license. I already said this license depends on the nature of your business. Let’s check out the common ones:
License for structural pest control
Structural pests are most common in the U.S. They refer to pests in homes, buildings, and other public structures. Around 14 million occupied houses in the U.S. suffer from pests. Again, there are rodents (mice or rats) in 14.8 million homes1. So, the target market is quite significant.
License for Agricultural Pest Control
These pests are highly damaging. Crops or livestock pests can destroy edible assets and harm businesses. In most states, you need a crop protection and integrated pest management (IPM) license. Globally, the agricultural pest control market is growing at a CAGR of 6.6%2. Hence, you have excellent prospects in this business.
WDO Inspecting License
This license is given to companies specializing in tackling wood-destroying organisms. It is a highly specialized field. In fact, there is a sumptuous demand for W.O. companies in the U.S.
Speaking of that, I want to mention Stride Pest Control. This emerging startup has specialized in the WDO category since day 1. Now, they have a Google review of 4.9 out of 53.
License for Pesticide Applying
As I said before, there is much danger lurking in working with pest control chemicals. In the same vein, the CDC recorded 17 people dead across the country due to harmful pesticide exposure.
License for Commercial Pest Control
For a pest control business, you need to:
- Inspect an affected site
- Treat the site with chemicals
- Do ongoing maintenance to avoid re-infestation.
This license equips you to do all these things without interruption.
Licensing Norms State by State
The parameters to get a Pest Control Business License vary from one state to another. In this detailed guide, we will cover the main parameters of most of the states.
Arizona
Here, you must pay a licensing fee of $55. The entrepreneur must also appear for an exam and pass with at least 75% grade. Then, you may become a Certified Applicator.
California
Here, structural pests are the biggest problem. To open a structural pest control business in this state, you must apply before the California Structural Pest Control Board.
The same body will also give you a household pest management business license, WDO business license, and fumigation business license. However, you must ensure your employees have individual licenses to work in a pest control company.
The entrepreneurs of a licensed pest control business must pay $120 as application fees. They should also have a minimum working experience of 2 years in this area.
Florida
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will issue your license in Florida.
You also need to sit for an exam equally. That would fetch you the tag of a pest control operator. After that, you may start your own business.
Illinois
Again, the Department of Agriculture issues pest control licenses here. But you need permission to work separately as a commercial applicator. To do so, you must pass the general exam with 70% marks. Besides, a compulsory fee of $180 is also payable.
Texas
In Texas, the SPCS offices issue pest control licenses. However, Texas is very strict about giving Certified Commercial Applicator licenses. Not only is there an exam with a cut-off of 70%, but other parameters as well.
You must also pay a mandatory fee of $125 to get the license after passing the exam.
Ohio
Like other states, the agriculture dept gives pest control licenses here. However, you must sit for a Core exam and pay $35 to get the Commercial Pesticide Applicator license here.
Massachusetts
Almost the same regulations apply here as well. However, the fee charged for obtaining the commercial license is $75.
N.B: The same or similar licensing parameters are applicable in other states. You may visit your state’s concerned licensing website.
Synopsis of the Documents Needed
Here are some of the essential documents that you need to submit:
- Application form, available from the local office
- Proof of education or training programs completed by you (these may substantially vary from one state to another)
- Certifications from previous firms or bodies to prove that you meet the desired licensing criteria.
- Undergo a background check and get documents verified by a visiting officer from the local council
- Pay any other fees needed and submit the receipts of the same, as and when needed
Steps to Obtain the License
Here are the actual steps that you must follow. As a startup, you need to follow the steps here readily.
Commercial Tax Permit
This is the first step to getting your Pest Control Business License. You may apply for the license through email. First, log in or create a site account. Then, go to the registration page. Hence, submit your documents and pay the fees. Once done, hit the “Apply Now” button.
The sites to apply for vary from state to state. So, let’s check out the sample steps for Texas.
Option 1: Apply with the Comptroller in Texas
Or,
Option 2: download the application form and email it after completing it.
Increase Your Business Potential with Licensing
You may quickly run your business if you register and properly undergo licensing. You need at least three licenses, as seen in the sections above.
The first one is the general business license. To follow it up, there is a specialized pest control business. But it depends on the nature of the services you are willing to offer. The third one is the commercial applicator’s license. There is an exam and a separate fee applicable with this last licensing.
With all these licenses, your business scope will be expanded.
I feel there is huge earning potential for your pest control business. The lowest 10% of the companies earn $28,620 in the U. S4. Hence, I bug you to plan and execute your licensing needs quickly. Therefore, you may get started with your operations.
As we explore further, we will find more detailed licensing needs. For instance, you must do separate licensing when adding multiple service niches to your business portfolio. But doing that may help you earn $58,660 from your operations.
Wrapping Up………
In the article, I sorted out the steps to apply for and get your Pest Control Business License. I gave detailed info on licensing in each state. However, you may comment below for further details on the topic.
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