Indiana pest control license lookup: how to check and get a license
Indiana pest control license lookup: who issues exterminator licenses (OISC), how to check one online, the license types, and 216 exterminating and pest control services by county.
Do exterminators need a license in Indiana?
| Who licenses them | Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC), Purdue University, Pesticide Section |
|---|---|
| License types | Pesticide Business License, For-Hire Pesticide Applicator License, Registered Technician, Wood Destroying Pest Inspection Business License, Wood Destroying Pest Inspector License |
| When a license is required | Any firm applying or offering to apply pesticides for hire needs a Pesticide Business License |
A pest control company must hold an OISC business license, file a certificate of insurance, and have at least one certified for-hire applicator at each location. Termite inspections for home sales need a separate wood destroying pest inspection credential.
How do you look up an exterminator's license in Indiana?
- Ask the exterminator for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Indiana pest control license lookup run by OISC.
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the exterminator about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact OISC.
What pest control licenses does Indiana issue?
- Pesticide Business License
- For-Hire Pesticide Applicator License
- Registered Technician
- Wood Destroying Pest Inspection Business License
- Wood Destroying Pest Inspector License
How do you get a pest control license in Indiana?
Licenses are issued by the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC), Purdue University, Pesticide Section. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official OISC source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Indiana city is the job in?
How many exterminators are there in Indiana?
The Census Bureau counted 216 exterminating and pest control services with employees in Indiana in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Marion County | 47 |
|---|---|
| Allen County | 18 |
| Vanderburgh County | 14 |
| Hamilton County | 12 |
| Lake County | 11 |
| St. Joseph County | 9 |
| Monroe County | 8 |
| Vigo County | 7 |
What do Indiana homes mean for pest control work?
The median home in Indiana was built in 1976, 30% of households rent and 77% of homes are single-family houses. 59% of homes heat with utility gas and 31% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an exterminator in Indiana?
- Ask for the business registration and the applicator's state certification number, and check them with the state agency.
- Ask what product they'll use and where, and what you need to do before and after (pets, kids, food, laundry for bed bugs).
- Prefer companies that inspect and seal entry points (integrated pest management) over ones that only spray.
- For bed bugs, ask how many visits are included and whether a follow-up inspection is part of the price.
- Get the guarantee in writing: what happens if the pests come back within 30 or 90 days.
Exterminators & Pest Control in other states
Sources: Indiana licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.