Illinois pest control license lookup: how to check and get a license
Illinois pest control license lookup: who issues exterminator licenses (IDPH), how to check one online, the license types, and 352 exterminating and pest control services by county.
Do exterminators need a license in Illinois?
| Who licenses them | Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Structural Pest Control Program |
|---|---|
| License types | Commercial Structural Pest Control Business License, Certified Technician, Non-Commercial Structural Pest Control Registration |
A pest control business must be licensed by IDPH every year, employ at least one certified technician and keep insurance on file with the state. Technician certification renews every three years.
How do you look up an exterminator's license in Illinois?
- Ask the exterminator for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Illinois pest control license lookup run by IDPH.
- 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 IDPH.
What pest control licenses does Illinois issue?
- Commercial Structural Pest Control Business License
- Certified Technician
- Non-Commercial Structural Pest Control Registration
How do you get a pest control license in Illinois?
Licenses are issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Structural Pest Control Program. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official IDPH source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Illinois city is the job in?
How many exterminators are there in Illinois?
The Census Bureau counted 352 exterminating and pest control services with employees in Illinois in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Cook County | 108 |
|---|---|
| DuPage County | 35 |
| Lake County | 25 |
| Will County | 21 |
| Kane County | 20 |
| McHenry County | 12 |
| Tazewell County | 11 |
| Winnebago County | 9 |
What do Illinois homes mean for pest control work?
The median home in Illinois was built in 1970, 33% of households rent and 64% of homes are single-family houses. 76% of homes heat with utility gas and 18% with electricity.
How do you choose an exterminator in Illinois?
- 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: Illinois licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.