Delaware Pest Control License: Everything You Need to Know

Delaware pest control technicians perform essential services for commercial and residential customers. Licensed professional technicians apply general and restricted-use pesticides to eliminate a variety of pests including rats, snakes, and roaches.

The Delaware pest control industry offers plenty of opportunities for advancement for trained pest control technicians. If you would like to get your Delaware pest control license, read this guide to learn tips to help you obtain your license and get a job.

Does Delaware Require a Pest Control License?

Delaware requires all pest control technicians to be licensed to apply pesticides on residential and commercial properties.

Are There Different Types of Licenses for Delaware?

Delaware pest control applicator license categories are:

• Private applicator license

• Commercial applicator license (for hire)

• Commercial applicator license (not for hire)

Private applicator licensees are authorized to purchase and use restricted-use pesticides on land that produces agricultural commodities. This includes employer's land and their own land. The application fee for a Delaware private applicator license is $30.

Commercial applicator licensees (for hire) are authorized to apply pesticides on another person's property. The fee for a Delaware commercial applicator license is $30.

Commercial applicator licensees (not for hire) are authorized to apply pesticides as part of job duties on their employers’ property. The Delaware commercial applicator license (not for hire) fee is $30.

Licenses are administered by the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

Every person who purchases or applies restricted-use pesticides must apply for a Delaware pest control license. Read the Delaware Pesticide Rules and Regulations to learn more about restricted-use pesticides in Delaware.

The average yearly pay for Delaware pest control technicians is approximately $36,000.

How Do I Become Licensed for Pest Control in Delaware?

Become a licensed pest control technician in Delaware by successfully passing the applicator exam. Enroll in courses (online or classroom) to prepare for your application exam. If you are employed by a pest control company, contact your Human Resources department to discuss your company's exam training options. Private and commercial license exams are administered every 45 days.

Delaware examination and training programs:

• Pesticide Education Safety Program

• Delaware Pesticide Exam Prep

• Delaware Certifications

Delaware training course costs: Expect to pay between $50 and $200 per course.

Prerequisites:

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent

• Be at least 18 years old

• Possess a valid Delaware identification card or driver's license

On-the-Job Experience:

• Spray chemical powders, gases, and solutions to get rid of pests in residential and commercial areas

• Install mechanical pest traps

• Calculate cost estimates for pest control services

• Remove blockages from infested areas

• Fumigate infested areas

• Drive company truck to different jobs

Licensing board Information: Apply for your license with the Delaware Department of Agriculture. Find specific information about pest applicator certification and recertification on the agency's website.

Delaware license examination requirements: Commercial applicator applicants must be employed by a licensed pest control company. Private applicators are not required to be employed by a licensed pest control company.

Delaware license examination categories include:

• Agricultural - Plant

• Agricultural - Animal

• Fumigation of Soils and Agricultural Commodities

• Ornamental & Turf

• Seed Treatment

• Aquatic

• Mosquito

• General Pest Control

• Public Health

• Regulatory

• Demonstration & Research

• Cooling Tower

Examination resources:

• General Standard Exam Review Questions

• Structural Pest Control Study Guide

How to Use Your Pest Control License to Get a Job

There are dozens of jobs available to applicants with Delaware pest control licenses. Here are a few sample job titles:

• Bed Bug Exterminator

• Certified Pest Control Technician

• Extermination Inspector

• Hand Spray Operator

• Pest Control Representative

• Pest Control Technician

• Pest Control Specialist

• Spray Worker

• Termite Exterminator

• Residential Pest Control Technician

• Commercial Pest Control Technician

• Pest Controller Assistant

Top websites to find a job in the pest control industry:

• ZipRecruiter

• Indeed

• CareerBuilder

• Glassdoor

The hourly pay rate for a pest control technician in Delaware is $17.39.

Delaware pest control technician job interview tips:

• Understand the requirements of the job before you apply

• Practice your interviewing skills

• Wear professional clothing to the interview

• Speak with confidence

• Provide positive responses to questions

Pest Control Industry Trends

Trends that have contributed to growth in the pest control industry are:

• Cities attract rodents and other pests

• Pests are resistant to over-the-counter chemicals

• Companies use automated billing and online scheduling

• Companies attend trade shows and meetings to remain competitive

Dangers of Being a Pest Control Technician

Delaware pest control technician job hazards:

• Pests with diseases bite technicians

• Exposure to general and restricted-use chemicals cause skin rashes, lung infections, and malignancies

• Technicians fall from elevated surfaces and ladders

Occupational safety tips:

• Keep pesticides away from fire

• Adhere to your company's safety standards at all times

• Wear protective gear

Is My Pest Control License Only Valid in Delaware?

Delaware has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

• Maryland

• Virginia

• New Jersey

• Pennsylvania

How Often Do I Need to Renew My Pest Control License in Delaware?

Renew your Delaware private applicator license or commercial applicator license every three years. License renewal fees and recertification course in Delaware costs range from $100 to $300.

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