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How to find a good pest control company

Ask the company for its license number and the name of the technician who will do the work. A company must have at least one certified, licensed commercial applicator in the proper service category.[1]

The short answer

  • Check that the license is current and is the right classification for the job, such as general household pests, termites, or lawn and ornamentals.[2][3]
  • Confirm it with your state pesticide regulatory office; some states offer an online license search and the rest will confirm by phone.[2][4]
  • Get written estimates from more than one licensed company.[5][2][3]

Questions to ask

  • Will the person doing the work be a certified, licensed pesticide applicator? Can you give me a copy of your pest control license and copies of the labels for the pesticides you use?[1]
  • Can you give me an estimate in writing? Is there a guarantee, and what are its terms?[2][3]
  • Do you use integrated pest management, and will you discuss low-toxicity options?[2][3]
  • Does the company carry insurance for my property and its employees? Can you provide references?[3][1]
  • After the service, will you give me the product names, their EPA registration numbers, and the precautions to follow?[2][3]
  • Is a long-term contract required, and what will it cost over time? EPA notes that routine applications are not warranted unless pests are actually present.[2][1]

Red flags

  • A price quoted per gallon of pesticide, or a claim of a secret formula.[1]
  • Pressure to sign a contract on the spot.[1]
  • A claim that the company or its products are endorsed by a state or federal agency.[1]

Comparing estimates

  • Compare the first-year price and any annual renewal fee, and ask what the guarantee covers.[6][2]
  • Prices depend on the company, the home and the infestation, and we haven't found an authoritative current source for them. Written estimates from several licensed companies are the reliable way to know.[5]

Local and state guides

Find your state's licensing office and local pest agencies.

Sources

  1. 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)
  2. National Pesticide Information Center, “Selecting a Pest Control Company.” www.npic.orst.edu/pest/selectpco.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  3. University of Minnesota Extension, “Hiring a pest control professional.” extension.umn.edu/home-maintenance-and-safety/hiring-pest-control-professional (accessed 2026-10-06)
  4. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  5. University of Kentucky Entomology, “ENTFACT-604: Termite Control: Answers for Homeowners (revised March 2026).” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef604 (accessed 2026-10-06)
  6. University of Kentucky Entomology, “ENTFACT-639: Termite Baits: A Guide for Homeowners.” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef639 (accessed 2026-10-06)

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