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:
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:
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:
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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