Virginia pest control license lookup: how to check and get a license
Virginia pest control license lookup: who issues exterminator licenses (VDACS), how to check one online, the license types, and 351 exterminating and pest control services by county.
Do exterminators need a license in Virginia?
| Who licenses them | Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), Office of Pesticide Services |
|---|---|
| License types | Pesticide Business License, Certified Commercial Applicator |
| When a license is required | Any business that applies or recommends pesticides for compensation needs a license for each location |
Licensed pest businesses must employ a certified applicator and carry insurance of at least $100,000 property damage, $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence; licenses expire March 31 each year. VDACS posts a downloadable list of licensed pesticide businesses.
How do you look up an exterminator's license in Virginia?
- Ask the exterminator for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Virginia pest control license lookup run by VDACS.
- 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 VDACS.
What pest control licenses does Virginia issue?
- Pesticide Business License
- Certified Commercial Applicator
How do you get a pest control license in Virginia?
Licenses are issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), Office of Pesticide Services. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official VDACS source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Virginia city is the job in?
How many exterminators are there in Virginia?
The Census Bureau counted 351 exterminating and pest control services with employees in Virginia in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Fairfax County | 40 |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach city | 37 |
| Chesapeake city | 24 |
| Henrico County | 23 |
| Chesterfield County | 23 |
| Prince William County | 20 |
| Loudoun County | 20 |
| Newport News city | 16 |
What do Virginia homes mean for pest control work?
The median home in Virginia was built in 1984, 33% of households rent and 73% of homes are single-family houses. 32% of homes heat with utility gas and 57% with electricity, and 3% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an exterminator in Virginia?
- 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: Virginia licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.