Pennsylvania pest control license lookup: how to check and get a license
Pennsylvania pest control license lookup: who issues exterminator licenses (Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture), how to check one online, the license types, and 401 exterminating and pest control services by county.
Do exterminators need a license in Pennsylvania?
| Who licenses them | Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture |
|---|---|
| License types | Pesticide Business License, Commercial Pesticide Applicator (certified applicator) |
| When a license is required | License required for any business applying pesticides for others |
Pest control companies need a Pesticide Business License from the PA Department of Agriculture, must employ at least one certified applicator, and must keep proof of insurance on file with the department. Licensed businesses can be searched in PDA's public report.
How do you look up an exterminator's license in Pennsylvania?
- Ask the exterminator for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Pennsylvania pest control license lookup run by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
- 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 Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
What pest control licenses does Pennsylvania issue?
- Pesticide Business License
- Commercial Pesticide Applicator (certified applicator)
How do you get a pest control license in Pennsylvania?
Licenses are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Pennsylvania city is the job in?
How many exterminators are there in Pennsylvania?
The Census Bureau counted 401 exterminating and pest control services with employees in Pennsylvania in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Berks County | 46 |
|---|---|
| Montgomery County | 43 |
| Bucks County | 34 |
| Allegheny County | 34 |
| Delaware County | 31 |
| Philadelphia County | 29 |
| Lancaster County | 21 |
| Chester County | 19 |
What do Pennsylvania homes mean for pest control work?
The median home in Pennsylvania was built in 1965, 31% of households rent and 76% of homes are single-family houses. 51% of homes heat with utility gas and 25% with electricity, and 15% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an exterminator in Pennsylvania?
- 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: Pennsylvania licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.