North Carolina pest control license lookup: how to check and get a license
North Carolina pest control license lookup: who issues exterminator licenses (North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division, Structural Pest Control Section), how to check one online, the license types, and 533 exterminating and pest control services by county.
Do exterminators need a license in North Carolina?
| Who licenses them | North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division, Structural Pest Control Section |
|---|---|
| License types | Structural Pest Control License (P phase - Household Pest Control), Structural Pest Control License (W phase - Wood-Destroying Organisms), Structural Pest Control License (F phase - Fumigation), Certified Applicator, Registered Technician |
Termite inspections and treatments require the W phase; general household pests require the P phase. Licensees must file proof of insurance with NCDA&CS before a license is issued.
How do you look up an exterminator's license in North Carolina?
- Ask the exterminator for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the North Carolina pest control license lookup run by North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division, Structural Pest Control 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 North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division, Structural Pest Control Section.
What pest control licenses does North Carolina issue?
- Structural Pest Control License (P phase - Household Pest Control)
- Structural Pest Control License (W phase - Wood-Destroying Organisms)
- Structural Pest Control License (F phase - Fumigation)
- Certified Applicator
- Registered Technician
How do you get a pest control license in North Carolina?
Licenses are issued by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division, Structural Pest Control Section. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division, Structural Pest Control Section source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which North Carolina city is the job in?
How many exterminators are there in North Carolina?
The Census Bureau counted 533 exterminating and pest control services with employees in North Carolina in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Wake County | 75 |
|---|---|
| Mecklenburg County | 68 |
| Forsyth County | 25 |
| Guilford County | 23 |
| New Hanover County | 22 |
| Union County | 20 |
| Durham County | 17 |
| Buncombe County | 15 |
What do North Carolina homes mean for pest control work?
The median home in North Carolina was built in 1990, 34% of households rent and 70% of homes are single-family houses. 24% of homes heat with utility gas and 65% with electricity, and 2% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an exterminator in North Carolina?
- 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: North Carolina licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.