ATLANTA, GA – Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper is urging Georgians to exercise caution when hiring pest control services after the Georgia Department of Agriculture's (GDA) Structural Pest Division received an increase in reports of unlicensed individuals going door-to-door to solicit business. Commissioner Harper is reminding consumers to verify that anyone selling pest control services is properly licensed by requesting to see a valid structural pest control license before signing a contract or allowing work to begin. Additionally, consumers should also be aware that the Fair Business Practices Act requires that certain contracts entered into through door-to-door sales include a three-day right to cancel. The law also requires that this cancellation right be clearly disclosed within the contract, so consumers are informed of their rights.
“I urge Georgians to follow our team’s guidance: before signing a contract, ask to see the seller’s state-issued Registered Employee or Certified Operator License. Pest control representatives are required to carry their license and present it upon request. If a license is not provided, contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture immediately, and our team will investigate,” said Commissioner Harper. “This is a matter of public safety, as unlicensed operators may lack the training and oversight needed to safely handle pesticides and perform pest control services.”
An example of a Registered Employee license is shown below.
So far this year, the GDA’s Structural Pest Division, which regulates pest control licensing statewide, has conducted 48 unlicensed operator investigations. If a salesperson is unable or unwilling to provide proof of licensure, Georgia residents are strongly encouraged to report the incident using the GDA’s online form: https://agr.georgia.gov/reporting-unlicensed-operators-structural-pest.
Under Georgia law, individuals who solicit or perform pest control services must hold a valid Certified Operator's License or Registered Employee License issued by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the company they are operating under must hold a Structural Pest Control Company License. These requirements help ensure individuals are properly trained in the safe handling and application of pesticide products. Violations may result in civil penalties of up to $10,000, depending on the nature and severity of the offense.
For more information on pest control regulations or to verify a pest control license, please visit: https://agr.georgia.gov/structural-pest-control.