Pest control in Hawaii

What to know about pest control in Hawaii

Hawaii's warm, wet climate lets pests stay active all year, and most of the pests that cause trouble here arrived from somewhere else. Knowing who licenses pest control companies in Hawaii makes it easier to hire well.

Common pests in Hawaii

The University of Hawaii, the state Department of Health and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council describe these pests.

• Formosan subterranean termites. The University of Hawaii calls this termite the single most damaging insect pest to homes in the state. The damage often goes unnoticed until it is serious. See our page on termites.
• Drywood termites. These live inside the wood they eat rather than in the soil, so the signs and treatment differ.
• Little fire ants. These tiny ants give a painful sting, and the welts can last for weeks. They nest in trees and potted plants as well as on the ground, so stings often land on the neck, arms or torso. The state asks residents to report them. See our page on ants.
• Rats. Rats carry the parasite that causes rat lungworm disease, and snails and slugs pick it up from rat droppings. The Department of Health recommends rodent-proofing and sanitation around homes and gardens. See our page on rodents.
• Mosquitoes. Hawaii has the mosquitoes that can carry dengue, though the disease is not established in the state. The Department of Health asks residents to pour out standing water around the home. See our page on mosquitoes.

Who licenses pest control companies in Hawaii

Pest control operators in Hawaii are licensed by the Pest Control Board, part of the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity has a seat on the board. Read about the board on its Pest Control Board page, and check a company or person with the state's professional license search.

How to check a company before you hire

1. Look up the company's license with the professional license search before any work starts.
2. For termite work, ask which termite they found, what evidence shows it, and which treatment they recommend.
3. Get the treatment plan, follow-up visits and any warranty in writing before work starts.
4. Read reviews from other Hawaii customers. If you've hired a company, you can write a review to help your neighbors, and learn how reviews work.