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Local pest guides

Pest problems are local: your county may run mosquito or rodent programs, and your state pesticide regulatory office licenses pest control companies and can confirm a license.[1][2]

The short answer

  • Ask any company for its license number and the name of the technician doing the work, and confirm it with your state pesticide regulatory office.[3][2]
  • Get estimates in writing and ask whether the company uses integrated pest management and will discuss low-toxicity options.[2][4]
  • Be wary of prices quoted per gallon of pesticide, secret formulas, or pressure to sign on the spot.[3]

More questions to ask a company

  • Will the person doing the work be a certified, licensed pesticide applicator?[3]
  • Does the company carry insurance for your property and its employees, and can it provide references?[4][3]
  • Is there a guarantee, and what are its terms?[2][4]

Metro guides

Smaller cities now point to their metro guide or state page.

Sources

  1. National Pesticide Information Center (Oregon State University / U.S. EPA), “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06). Directory data: npic.orst.edu/mlr/stateLead.json
  2. National Pesticide Information Center, “Selecting a Pest Control Company.” www.npic.orst.edu/pest/selectpco.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Tips for Selecting a Pest Control Service.” www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/tips-selecting-pest-control-service (accessed 2026-10-06)
  4. University of Minnesota Extension, “Hiring a pest control professional.” extension.umn.edu/home-maintenance-and-safety/hiring-pest-control-professional (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-06. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.