Georgia pest control regulations, explained

01 Who regulates

The Georgia Structural Pest Control Act (O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 45) is administered by the Georgia Department of Agriculture with the Structural Pest Control Commission, which advises on rules and enforcement. Agricultural and other pesticide applicators fall under separate GDA pesticide-applicator licensing.

02 Three layers of credentials

• Company license: required for anyone performing structural pest control for hire, with a Designated Certified Operator for each category the company works in.
• Certified operator: a qualified individual certified in categories such as Household Pest Control, Wood-Destroying Organisms and Fumigation.
• Registered employee: non-certified employees that the company must register within 30 days, after required training.

Details: Georgia pest control licensing.

03 Termites and real estate

Rules for wood-destroying organisms cover treatment standards, contract contents and the Official Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report. See termite inspection and contract requirements and the WIIR.

04 Wildlife is different

Trapping and relocating nuisance wildlife such as squirrels, raccoons and opossums falls under the Georgia DNR Nuisance Wildlife Control permit, which requires an exam and a trapping license. Federally protected birds are excluded. This site focuses on structural pests (insects and commensal rodents).

05 Consumer protections

Consumers can verify a company’s or individual’s license through the GDA’s licensing lookup or by calling the Structural Pest office at 404-656-3641. Report unlicensed activity to the GDA, and deceptive practices to the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.