PEST CONTROL LICENSING

South Carolina pest control license:
Everything you need to know

From schools to farms, pest control technicians work in a variety of settings. If you’re considering a career in this growing industry, submit an application for a South Carolina pest control license.

Licensed pest control technicians receive fair wages and impact their communities. Learn more about the South Carolina pest control industry by reading this guide.

Does South Carolina require a pest control license?

South Carolina requires all restricted-use and state limited-use pesticide applicators to be licensed.

Are there different types of licenses for South Carolina?

South Carolina pest control applicator license categories are:

  • Commercial applicator license
  • Non-commercial applicator license
  • Business applicator license
  • Private applicator license
  • Dealer applicator license

Commercial applicator licensees are authorized to apply restricted-use pesticides to commercial and residential property for compensation or as part of a pest control job. The license fee is $50 per applicant.

Non-commercial applicator licensees are authorized to apply herbicides, rodenticides, pesticides, and insecticides as local, county, state, or federal government employees. The license fee is $50 per applicant.

Business applicator licensees are authorized to operate a business that applies restricted-use pesticides on another person’s property. The license fee is $200.

Private applicator licensees are authorized to apply restricted-use pesticides on their own property if they produce agricultural commodities. The license fee is $6.00.

Dealer licensees are authorized to sell and distribute pesticides. The license fee is between $100 and $300.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. South Carolina applicator licenses are issued by the South Carolina Department of Pesticide Regulation.

The average yearly pay for South Carolina pest control technicians is approximately $35,000.

How do I become licensed for pest control in South Carolina?

Before you apply for a South Carolina pest control license, determine the type of license you need. Take an exam (if necessary), submit the appropriate application, and pay the fee.

South Carolina pest control training courses and programs:

South Carolina pesticide certification and recertification course costs:

Expect to pay between $30 and $150 per course.

Prerequisites:

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Possess a valid South Carolina identification card or driver’s license
  • Be employed by a licensed business
  • Provide proof of financial responsibility (commercial and business licensees)
  • Pass required examination

On-the-Job Experience:

  • Manage pesticide application schedules
  • Mix open containers of restricted-use pesticides
  • Apply insecticides, rodenticides, and pesticides to residential and commercial properties
  • Transport and maintain pesticide equipment
  • Prepare pesticide service estimates
  • Maintain positive customer relationships

South Carolina testing location:

South Carolina pesticide applicator tests are administered at various locations throughout the state by Metro Institute.

South Carolina license examination requirements:

Expect to pay between $50 and $100 for each exam. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to sit for the exam.

South Carolina examination content:

  • South Carolina Pest Control Laws and Regulations
  • Restricted-Use Pesticide Safety
  • Federal Pesticide Laws
  • Livestock and Pasture Pests
  • General Pesticide Questions

South Carolina examination resources:

How to use your pest control license to get a job

Jobs in the South Carolina pest control industry include:

  • Exterminator
  • Licensed Pest Control Manager
  • Licensed Termite Inspector
  • Pest Control Trainee
  • Termite Treatment Specialist
  • Lawn Care Spray Technician

Top websites to find a job in the pest control industry:

The hourly pay rate for a pest control technician in South Carolina is $17.76.

Job interview and search tips:

  • Proofread your resume for grammatical and spelling errors
  • Ask questions
  • Hire a professional to write your resume
  • Search for jobs on pest control company websites
  • Wear professional clothing.

Pest control industry trends include:

  • Train employees on customer service best practices
  • Research local pests and effective elimination techniques
  • Show customers how to prevent pest infestations
  • Automate scheduling and billing systems to expedite services
  • Attend trade shows and meetings to remain competitive

Dangers of being a pest control technician

South Carolina pest control technicians face the following hazards:

  • Aggressive pests with diseases
  • Chemical exposure and spills
  • On-the-job injuries (slipping and falling)
  • Exposure to extreme weather conditions

Pest control safety tips:

  • Stay hydrated
  • Keep pesticides away from open flames
  • Read and follow all pesticide directions
  • Wear protective clothing.

Is my pest control license only valid in South Carolina?

South Carolina has reciprocal pest control license agreements with the following states:

  • North Carolina
  • Alabama
  • Florida
  • Arkansas
  • Georgia
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Mississippi
  • New Jersey
  • Virginia
  • Tennessee

How often do I need to renew my pest control license in South Carolina?

Renew your South Carolina pest control license every two years. Expect to pay between $6 and $200 for license renewal.