Does Georgia require a pest control license?

The state of Georgia requires professional pest control technicians to be licensed.

Are there different types of licenses for Georgia?

The different types of Georgia pest control licenses are:

• Private applicator license
• Commercial applicator license

Pest control license is formally known as the pesticide applicator license. The two categories of Georgia pest control licenses are a private applicator license and a commercial applicator license.

Private applicator license gives you the authority to purchase and use restricted use pesticides on your employer’s property or your own property. Apply for this license if you produce agricultural commodities. The fee for the private applicator license is $90.

Commercial applicator license gives you the authority to purchase or use restricted use pesticides on your employer’s property or your property. Apply for this license if you do not produce agricultural commodities. The fee for the commercial applicator license is $90.

The average yearly pay for Georgia pest control technicians is about $35,000.

How do I become licensed for pest control in Georgia?

Enrolling in a formal training program is not required for Georgia pest control technicians. However, you must take courses to be recertified for your license.

Training programs:

Approved Georgia pest control training programs are:

• Certified Training Institute
• PestWeb
• Continuing Education University

These organizations offer online recertification training courses.

Course Costs:

Expect to pay between $15 and $30 per credit for recertification courses.

Prerequisites:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be at least 18 years old
• Possess a Georgia driver’s license
• Be physically able to perform the job

On-the-Job Experience:

• Apply restricted use pesticides to commercial and residential properties
• Eliminate pests in a safe manner
• Perform pest inspections as needed
• Prepare automated invoices and schedule appointments
• Ensure customers have a positive experience with the pest control company

Licensing Board Information:

Georgia pest control licenses are administered by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

Examination Requirements:

Georgia pest control applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. Applicants are required to take an exam for each license. The examination fee is $45.

Examination Resources:

Use the following resources to prepare for your Georgia pest control examination:

• Georgia Pest Control Management Handbook
• EPA Registered Pesticides
• UGA Extension Publication Store

How to use your pest control license to get a job

There are plenty of jobs for entry level and skilled Georgia pest control technicians. Schools, banks, grocery stores, and government buildings rely on Georgia pest control technicians to keep their buildings free of rodents and bugs. Find current pest control technician vacancies on the following websites:

• Indeed
• Glassdoor

The hourly Georgia pest control technician pay rate is $17.62.

The average job vacancy attracts approximately 200 applicants. The pest control industry is competitive. Review the following questions to prepare for your interview:

• How do you handle dealing with difficult people?
• What is the key to success when interacting with customers?
• What steps do you take to achieve your goals?
• What do you think will be the most challenging part of this job?
• How do you handle stressful situations?

When you go to your interviews, always dress to impress. Wear appropriate business attire to your interviews.

Pest control industry trends

Pest control technicians must keep up with the latest information in the pest control industry. Noteworthy industry trends include:

• Target customers who are moving to the local area
• Survey local customers to address their needs
• Impact pesticide regulations by attending hearings and legislative votes
• Research local pests and learn about their habits
• Attend pest control trade shows.

Dangers of being a pest control technician

Georgia pest control technicians are in the field all day. As a result, they are exposed to a variety of dangerous conditions.

Mice and rats transmit diseases including rat-bite fever, salmonellosis, and leptospirosis. Prolonged exposure to general and restricted use chemicals is harmful. These chemicals contribute to headaches, skin rashes, and upper respiratory problems.

Take the following actions to protect yourself on the job. Always wear:

• Work boots, full-length pants, and shirts with sleeves
• Respiratory protection gear
• Chemical resistant rubber gloves
• Safety glasses or goggles

Is my pest control license only valid in Georgia?

Georgia pest control licenses are valid in other states that have similar licensing standards. You must submit a reciprocity application to use your license in another state.

How often do I need to renew my pest control license in Georgia?

All Georgia pest control licenses are valid for 5 years. The renewal fee is $90.