Does Ohio require a pest control license?

Ohio requires pest control technicians to get the appropriate licensing to apply pesticides and other chemicals.

Are there different types of licenses for Ohio?

The different types of pest control licenses in Ohio are:

• Private pesticide applicator license
• Commercial pesticide applicator license
• Pesticide business and business location license
• Pesticide solicitation business license
• Pesticide dealer license
• Pesticide product registration license

Private pesticide applicator licenses are for any person who directly supervises or uses restricted use pesticides to produce agricultural commodities. Application fee is $30.

Commercial pesticide applicator licenses are for people who operate a pesticide business that applies restricted use pesticides to another person’s property. Application fee is $35.

Pesticide business and business location licenses are for people who are hired to apply pesticides on another person’s property for hire. Application fee is $35.

Pesticide solicitation business licenses are for businesses that solicit business for a licensed pesticide application business. Application fee is $35.

Pesticide dealer licenses are required for people who distribute restricted use pesticides. Application fee is $35.

Pesticide product registration licenses are required to distribute restricted and general pesticide products in Ohio. Application fee is $150.

The average yearly pay for Ohio pest control technicians is approximately $40,000.

How do I become licensed for pest control in Ohio?

You are not required to enroll in a formal training program to get licensed in Ohio. Employers provide on-the-job training for pest control technicians.

Training programs:

• The Ohio State University
• Ohio Pest Management Association
• Ohio Department of Agriculture (Recertification Class Search)

Tuition Costs:

Expect to pay between $15 (online classes) and $200 per course.

Prerequisites:

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

On-the-Job Experience:

• Safely apply pesticides to commercial and residential properties
• Use general and restricted chemicals to eliminate termites, bugs, and a variety of pests
• Perform all duties under the direction of a licensed pest control supervisor
• Interact with customers and supervisors in a professional manner

Licensing Board Information:

Ohio pest control licenses are issued by the Ohio Department of Agriculture – Pesticides License and Registration.

Examination Requirements:

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. Fees are $100 – $200 per test.

Examination Resources:

• Pest Control Exam Prep
• Certified Training Institute

How to use your pest control license to get a job

Companies and government agencies advertise job vacancies for pest control technicians on a variety of job sites. Top job local and national job sites include:

• Indeed
• CareerBuilder
• CareerBuilder

The hourly Ohio pest control technician pay rate is $19.05.

Be sure to set aside time to prepare for your Ohio pest control technician job interview. Here are a few questions that are commonly asked:

• What are your career goals?
• What do you like about the pest control industry?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why should we hire you for this position?

Wear business casual clothing to your interviews. Bring a copy of your resume, social security card, and driver’s license to your pest control technician interview.

Pest control industry trends

The pest control industry changes rapidly. Current pest control industry trends include:

• Targeted marketing for customers
• Automated billing and scheduling
• Environmentally-friendly legislation
• Local pest studies and research
• Eco-friendly pesticides
• Customer education

Dangers of being a pest control technician

Ohio pest control technicians come in contact with dangerous pests and toxic chemicals. Pest control technicians must adhere to safety precautions at all times.

General and restricted chemicals cause skin sores, skin infections, lung problems, headaches, and asthma. Bites and stings from bees, spiders, and snakes cause allergic reactions for some people.

Pest control technicians carry heavy equipment all day. As a result, some technicians develop back spasms, hernias, and shoulder pain.

Prevent on-the-job injuries by taking the following precautions:

• Wear appropriate clothing, such as steel-toe boots, full-length pants, and shirts with sleeves
• Wear respiratory protection equipment, such as face, nose and mouth masks
• Apply pesticides according to the directions.

Is My Pest Control License Only Valid in Ohio?

Ohio pest control licenses are only valid within the state.

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

Renewal periods are from one to three years depending on the type of pest control license. Renewal fees range from $30 to $150.

Private and commercial applicators in Arizona must have a license to apply or supervise the application of restricted-use pesticides.