The US EPA requires professional pest control applicators to be trained and obtain a license. Licensed applicators may have experience with pests that are difficult to control and/or application equipment that might be necessary to reach problem areas. They also have access to purchase and use Restricted Use Pesticides.
The resources below are intended to help you learn about professional pest control topics. For more information, or just to ask a question, please call NPIC at 1-800-858-7378 (PEST).
Please read our disclaimer.
- How to Select a Pest Control Company
- Termite Treatments
- Wildlife Damage Management
- Treating Schools and Day-Care Facilities
- Treating Food-Handling Establishments
- Professional Licenses and Certifications
- Note: In the United States, testing is required in order to obtain a professional pesticide applicator license or certification. To learn about the requirements in your state, contact your state pesticide regulatory agency. Click here to find the contact information for the agency in your state.
- Agricultural Pest Control
- For Industry Professionals
How to Select a Pest Control Company
- Q&A - Environmental Protection Agency
- Fact Sheet - University of Nebraska - Lincoln
- Fact Sheet - Michigan Department of Agriculture
- Fact Sheet - US EPA - Region 7 (NE, IA, KS, MO)
- Advice from the National Pest Management Association
Termite Treatments
- Ten Termite FAQs - University of Nebraska Lincoln
- Termite identification, life cycle and management - University of California Davis
- Termite Control: Answers For The Homeowner - University of Kentucky
- Protecting Your Home Against Termites - University of Kentucky
- Termite Baits: A Guide For Homeowners - University of Kentucky
- Do-It-Yourself Termite Baits: Do They Work? - University of Kentucky
- Termites Bite into Pocketbook - University of Nebraska Lincoln
- When Termites Damage Your Home, What Are Your Options? - University of Nebraska Lincoln
- Termiticide Data and Labelling Requirements - EPA
- USDA's Ongoing Termiticide Efficacy Study - Termiticide Report 2005
- USDA's Ongoing Termiticide Efficacy Study - Termiticide Report 2004
- Structural Fumigation Using Sulfuryl Fluoride - EPA
- Biology and Control of Subterranean Termites - North Carolina Extension
- Evaluation of Six Techniques for Control of the Western Drywood Termite (Isoptera: Kalotermidae) in Structures - Lewis, V.R. and M.I. Haverty, 1996.
Wildlife Damage Management
- Fact Sheets for Managing Birds, Reptiles, Mammals and more - University Extension
- Fact Sheets for Managing Wildlife including Birds and Snakes - David M. Brandenburg
- State Contacts, Fish & Wildlife Officials - US Fish & Wildlife Service
- Rat Management Guidelines - University of California Davis
- House Mouse Management Guidelines - University of California Davis
- Dealing with Nuisance Wildlife - University of Georgia Extension
Treating Schools and Day-Care Facilities
- IPM in Schools - EPA Office of Pesticide Programs
- National School IPM Information Source - University of Florida
- Reducing Pesticide Exposure in Schools - CDC-NIOSH
- Individual States' Child Care Licensure Regulations
- Cleaning and Sanitizing Daycare Facilities
- Schools & Day Care Centers - Regional Purdue Center
- Indoor Pest Management - Schools & Day Care Centers - Regional Purdue Center
- Turf & Landscape Management - Schools & Day Care Centers - Regional Purdue Center
- School IPM - Regional Texas A&M Center
- Curriculum, games and resources - Michigan State University
- Purdue Entomology Educational Outreach - Teacher Resources
- School IPM - University of Vermont
Treating Food-Handling Establishments
- Pest Management in Food-Handling and Other Specialized Facilities - Michigan State University
- IPM Program for Dining Facilities - Harvard University
- Sanitation Performance Standards Compliance Guide - Food Safety Inspection Service (USDA)
- Food Establishment Plan Review Guide - Food and Drug Administration
- Directory of State & Local Officials - Food and Drug Administration
- Antimicrobial Products to Disinfect Poultry and Other Facilities Against Avian (Bird) Flu
Professional Licenses and Certifications
- National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual - National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
- How To Become a Certified Applicator - US Environmental Protection Agency
Agricultural Pest Control
- Crop Profiles - USDA Pest Management Centers
- National Agriculture Compliance Assistance Center - US Environmental Protection Agency
- Agricultural Chemical Use Database - National Agricultural Statistics Service
- IR-4 Specialty Crop Registrations - IR-4 Project, Rutgers University
For Industry Professionals
- Pest Control Fact Sheets - Univar USA
- Pest Management Professional Magazine - National Pest Management Association (NPMA)
- American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA)
- National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)
- Handbook of Pest Control - Arnold Mallis
- Control of Bed Bugs In Residences -Univesity of Minnesota Extension
- Control and Prevention of Bed Bug Infestations in Multi-Unit dwellings in California - CDHS
- Integrated Pest Management in Affordable Housing - National Center for Healthy Housing
