South Carolina pest control license lookup: how to check and get a license
South Carolina pest control license lookup: who issues exterminator licenses (Clemson University Department of Pesticide Regulation (state pesticide regulatory agency)), how to check one online, the license types, and 387 exterminating and pest control services by county.
Do exterminators need a license in South Carolina?
| Who licenses them | Clemson University Department of Pesticide Regulation (state pesticide regulatory agency) |
|---|---|
| License types | Pesticide Business License (Category 7A structural), Commercial Applicator License, Designated Certified Applicator (DCA), Verifiable Technician |
| When a license is required | Business license required for any for-hire structural/household pest control |
A South Carolina pest control company doing structural or household work needs a Pesticide Business License with a full-time Designated Certified Applicator; its technicians must be licensed applicators or trained Verifiable Technicians. Licenses are renewed every year.
How do you look up an exterminator's license in South Carolina?
- Ask the exterminator for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the South Carolina pest control license lookup run by Clemson University Department of Pesticide Regulation (state pesticide regulatory agency).
- 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 Clemson University Department of Pesticide Regulation (state pesticide regulatory agency).
What pest control licenses does South Carolina issue?
- Pesticide Business License (Category 7A structural)
- Commercial Applicator License
- Designated Certified Applicator (DCA)
- Verifiable Technician
How do you get a pest control license in South Carolina?
Licenses are issued by the Clemson University Department of Pesticide Regulation (state pesticide regulatory agency). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Clemson University Department of Pesticide Regulation (state pesticide regulatory agency) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many exterminators are there in South Carolina?
The Census Bureau counted 387 exterminating and pest control services with employees in South Carolina in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Charleston County | 53 |
|---|---|
| Horry County | 44 |
| Greenville County | 39 |
| Lexington County | 32 |
| Beaufort County | 23 |
| Richland County | 22 |
| Spartanburg County | 19 |
| Berkeley County | 17 |
What do South Carolina homes mean for pest control work?
The median home in South Carolina was built in 1991, 29% of households rent and 68% of homes are single-family houses. 23% of homes heat with utility gas and 71% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an exterminator in South 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: South Carolina licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.