Tennessee pest control license lookup: how to check and get a license
Tennessee pest control license lookup: who issues exterminator licenses (Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Pesticides Section), how to check one online, the license types, and 372 exterminating and pest control services by county.
Do exterminators need a license in Tennessee?
| Who licenses them | Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Pesticides Section |
|---|---|
| License types | Pest Control Charter (business, per location), General Pest and Rodent Control (GRC) license, Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) license, Fumigation - Structural (FUM) license, Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification |
| When a license is required | Charter required for any company offering custom pesticide application; at least one licensee per service category |
Chartered companies carry a $10,000 surety bond (more for new structural firms) and liability insurance, and the charter number must be visible on company vehicles. Ask to see the applicator's certification or license card; termite contracts should be warranted for at least one year.
How do you look up an exterminator's license in Tennessee?
- Ask the exterminator for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Tennessee pest control license lookup run by Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Pesticides Section.
- 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 Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Pesticides Section.
What pest control licenses does Tennessee issue?
- Pest Control Charter (business, per location)
- General Pest and Rodent Control (GRC) license
- Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) license
- Fumigation - Structural (FUM) license
- Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification
How do you get a pest control license in Tennessee?
Licenses are issued by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Pesticides Section. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Pesticides Section source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Tennessee city is the job in?
How many exterminators are there in Tennessee?
The Census Bureau counted 372 exterminating and pest control services with employees in Tennessee in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Shelby County | 59 |
|---|---|
| Davidson County | 46 |
| Knox County | 44 |
| Hamilton County | 26 |
| Sumner County | 18 |
| Sevier County | 16 |
| Rutherford County | 15 |
| Montgomery County | 11 |
What do Tennessee homes mean for pest control work?
The median home in Tennessee was built in 1986, 33% of households rent and 72% of homes are single-family houses. 31% of homes heat with utility gas and 63% with electricity.
How do you choose an exterminator in Tennessee?
- 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: Tennessee licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.