Massachusetts pest control license lookup: how to check and get a license
Massachusetts pest control license lookup: who issues exterminator licenses (MDAR), how to check one online, the license types, and 247 exterminating and pest control services by county.
Do exterminators need a license in Massachusetts?
| Who licenses them | Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), Pesticide Program |
|---|---|
| License types | Commercial Applicator Certification, Licensed Applicator |
| When a license is required | Certification or license required to apply pesticides commercially (M.G.L. c. 132B, s. 10; 333 CMR 10.00) |
Ask for the applicator's MDAR license or certification number and confirm it with the state lookup. Certification categories (e.g. general pest vs. termite/structural) were not fully confirmed.
How do you look up an exterminator's license in Massachusetts?
- Ask the exterminator for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Massachusetts pest control license lookup run by MDAR.
- 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 MDAR.
What pest control licenses does Massachusetts issue?
- Commercial Applicator Certification
- Licensed Applicator
How do you get a pest control license in Massachusetts?
Licenses are issued by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), Pesticide Program. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official MDAR source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many exterminators are there in Massachusetts?
The Census Bureau counted 247 exterminating and pest control services with employees in Massachusetts in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Middlesex County | 73 |
|---|---|
| Plymouth County | 36 |
| Worcester County | 25 |
| Norfolk County | 24 |
| Essex County | 24 |
| Bristol County | 23 |
| Barnstable County | 17 |
| Hampden County | 11 |
What do Massachusetts homes mean for pest control work?
The median home in Massachusetts was built in 1963, 37% of households rent and 57% of homes are single-family houses. 52% of homes heat with utility gas and 18% with electricity, and 23% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an exterminator in Massachusetts?
- 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: Massachusetts licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.