New York pest control license lookup: how to check and get a license
New York pest control license lookup: who issues exterminator licenses (DEC), how to check one online, the license types, and 754 exterminating and pest control services by county.
Do exterminators need a license in New York?
| Who licenses them | New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Bureau of Pest Management |
|---|---|
| License types | Pesticide Business Registration, Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator, Pesticide Technician |
Any business that applies pesticides for hire must register with NYS DEC and employ a DEC-certified applicator or technician for each type of work. Registered businesses must carry at least $1,000,000 per occurrence in general liability insurance.
How do you look up an exterminator's license in New York?
- Ask the exterminator for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the New York pest control license lookup run by DEC.
- 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 DEC.
What pest control licenses does New York issue?
- Pesticide Business Registration
- Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator
- Pesticide Technician
How do you get a pest control license in New York?
Licenses are issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Bureau of Pest Management. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DEC source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which New York city is the job in?
How many exterminators are there in New York?
The Census Bureau counted 754 exterminating and pest control services with employees in New York in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Suffolk County | 112 |
|---|---|
| Kings County | 105 |
| Queens County | 94 |
| Nassau County | 91 |
| Westchester County | 46 |
| New York County | 44 |
| Richmond County | 40 |
| Bronx County | 27 |
What do New York homes mean for pest control work?
The median home in New York was built in 1958, 46% of households rent and 47% of homes are single-family houses. 59% of homes heat with utility gas and 14% with electricity, and 17% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an exterminator in New York?
- 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: New York licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.