Below is a summary of steps to take to start a pest control business.
- Obtain pesticide certification (the exam may be taken online through Everblue or attending a PSEP Program testing event)
- Have the requirements to take the licensing exam (varies depending on licensing category)
- Take the licensing exam ($150 per exam)
- Obtain liability insurance ($250,000 single occurrence, $500,000 aggregate)
- For those with WDO license, would be required to have Errors & Omissions Insurance ($100,000 and $300,000)
- Obtain bonding (surety bond, $10,000 for all categories except cat 7, $50,000 for first 3 years)
- Obtain a charter from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) ($400 every 2 years)
- A Licensee must be listed on the charter. $50 for each licensee and each license category
Note: If you plan to apply products containing glyphosate as the sole active ingredient, then you would need LHA certification (also known as C09 certification). No bonding, license, or charter would be needed.
