The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is urging residents to be cautious following a sharp rise in reports of unlicensed individuals going door-to-door offering pest control services.
According to the GDA’s Structural Pest Division, 175 violations have been documented this year involving individuals operating without proper licensure. Under Georgia law, anyone soliciting or performing pest control services must hold either a Certified Operator’s License or a Registered Employee License issued by the department.
These licenses are required to ensure that individuals are properly trained to handle and apply potentially hazardous pesticide products. Violations can result in fines of up to $10,000, depending on the nature and severity of the offense.
The department is advising consumers to only hire licensed pest control companies and to always request proof of a valid license before allowing any work to begin. Licensed individuals must carry and present a state-issued Registered Employee License upon request.
Residents who encounter unlicensed pest control operators or are unable to verify a salesperson’s credentials are encouraged to report the incident through the GDA’s online form at: https://agr.georgia.gov/reporting-unlicensed-operators-structural-pest.
The Structural Pest Division oversees pest control licensing statewide and continues to monitor reports as it works to protect consumers and public health.