District of Columbia pest control license lookup: how to check and get a license
District of Columbia pest control license lookup: who issues exterminator licenses (DOEE), how to check one online, the license types, and 4 exterminating and pest control services by county.
Do exterminators need a license in District of Columbia?
| Who licenses them | DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) Pesticide Program, with business licensing through DLCP |
|---|---|
| License types | Pesticide Operator's License (business), Certified Pesticide Applicator's License, Certified Applicator I.D. |
| When a license is required | Every place of business that advertises or conducts pest control in DC must be licensed |
Each pest control business location needs a Pesticide Operator's License, and each applicator must be a certified applicator who carries a DOEE photo ID while applying pesticides. DOEE lists no online applicator lookup; call the Pesticide Program at (202) 535-2600 to confirm an applicator, or check the business license in DLCP's SCOUT search.
How do you look up an exterminator's license in District of Columbia?
- Ask the exterminator for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the District of Columbia pest control license lookup run by DOEE.
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the exterminator about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact DOEE.
What pest control licenses does District of Columbia issue?
- Pesticide Operator's License (business)
- Certified Pesticide Applicator's License
- Certified Applicator I.D.
How do you get a pest control license in District of Columbia?
Licenses are issued by the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) Pesticide Program, with business licensing through DLCP. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DOEE source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many exterminators are there in District of Columbia?
The Census Bureau counted 4 exterminating and pest control services with employees in District of Columbia in 2023. The counties with the most:
| District of Columbia | 4 |
|---|
What do District of Columbia homes mean for pest control work?
The median home in District of Columbia was built in 1957, 59% of households rent and 33% of homes are single-family houses. 49% of homes heat with utility gas and 46% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an exterminator in District of Columbia?
- Ask for the business registration and the applicator's state certification number, and check them with the state agency.
- Ask what product they'll use and where, and what you need to do before and after (pets, kids, food, laundry for bed bugs).
- Prefer companies that inspect and seal entry points (integrated pest management) over ones that only spray.
- For bed bugs, ask how many visits are included and whether a follow-up inspection is part of the price.
- Get the guarantee in writing: what happens if the pests come back within 30 or 90 days.
Exterminators & Pest Control in other states
Sources: District of Columbia licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.