Michigan pest control license lookup: how to check and get a license
Michigan pest control license lookup: who issues exterminator licenses (MDARD), how to check one online, the license types, and 219 exterminating and pest control services by county.
Do exterminators need a license in Michigan?
| Who licenses them | Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), Pesticide and Plant Pest Management |
|---|---|
| License types | Pesticide Application Business License, Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification (Category 7A General Pest Management; 7B Wood Destroying Pest Management) |
Any company applying pesticides for pay needs an MDARD business license, renewed each year by December 31. The company must carry liability insurance and employ a certified applicator for each category it works in. The lookup link is MDARD's official Power BI list of licensed businesses.
How do you look up an exterminator's license in Michigan?
- Ask the exterminator for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Michigan pest control license lookup run by MDARD.
- 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 MDARD.
What pest control licenses does Michigan issue?
- Pesticide Application Business License
- Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification (Category 7A General Pest Management; 7B Wood Destroying Pest Management)
How do you get a pest control license in Michigan?
Licenses are issued by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), Pesticide and Plant Pest Management. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official MDARD source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Michigan city is the job in?
How many exterminators are there in Michigan?
The Census Bureau counted 219 exterminating and pest control services with employees in Michigan in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Oakland County | 45 |
|---|---|
| Wayne County | 24 |
| Kent County | 24 |
| Macomb County | 13 |
| Livingston County | 11 |
| Ottawa County | 10 |
| Grand Traverse County | 7 |
| Genesee County | 7 |
What do Michigan homes mean for pest control work?
The median home in Michigan was built in 1972, 27% of households rent and 77% of homes are single-family houses. 75% of homes heat with utility gas and 12% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an exterminator in Michigan?
- 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: Michigan licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.