Maryland pest control license lookup: how to check and get a license
Maryland pest control license lookup: who issues exterminator licenses (Maryland Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation Section), how to check one online, the license types, and 210 exterminating and pest control services by county.
Do exterminators need a license in Maryland?
| Who licenses them | Maryland Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation Section |
|---|---|
| License types | Pesticide Business License, Certified Pest Control Applicator, Registered Employee |
| When a license is required | Business license required for any business offering pest control services or applying pesticides for hire |
Licensed businesses need a certified applicator for each category and must carry liability insurance ($100,000/$300,000 bodily injury). MDA has no online license lookup; call Pesticide Regulation at 410-841-5710 to verify.
How do you look up an exterminator's license in Maryland?
- Ask the exterminator for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the official Maryland Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation Section license search run by Maryland Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation Section.
- 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 Maryland Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation Section.
What pest control licenses does Maryland issue?
- Pesticide Business License
- Certified Pest Control Applicator
- Registered Employee
How do you get a pest control license in Maryland?
Licenses are issued by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation Section. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Maryland Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation Section source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many exterminators are there in Maryland?
The Census Bureau counted 210 exterminating and pest control services with employees in Maryland in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Prince George's County | 39 |
|---|---|
| Baltimore County | 36 |
| Anne Arundel County | 30 |
| Montgomery County | 23 |
| Frederick County | 11 |
| Howard County | 10 |
| Carroll County | 10 |
| Harford County | 9 |
What do Maryland homes mean for pest control work?
The median home in Maryland was built in 1979, 33% of households rent and 72% of homes are single-family houses. 43% of homes heat with utility gas and 43% with electricity, and 7% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an exterminator in Maryland?
- 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: Maryland licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.