Pest control in Missouri

What to know about pest control in Missouri

Missouri homeowners share the state with ticks in the woods and fields, two kinds of venomous spiders and termites that can work inside a house for years before anyone notices. Anyone who applies pesticides to other people's property for a fee in Missouri must be certified and licensed by the state.

Common pests in Missouri

The Missouri Department of Conservation and University of Missouri Extension describe these pests across the state.

• Ticks. Ticks are found statewide and are common in tall grass, brush and the weedy edges of trails. In Missouri they can carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis and other illnesses, and lone star tick bites are linked to alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to red meat. See our tick and flea companies.
• Brown recluse and black widow spiders. MU Extension names these as Missouri's two poisonous spiders. Brown recluse bites usually happen when the spider is trapped against skin, such as inside clothing or shoes. See spider control companies.
• Termites. Termites live statewide and are known for hollowing out wood from the inside with little outside sign of damage until the wood gives way. See termite companies.

Who licenses pest control companies in Missouri

The Missouri Department of Agriculture runs the state's Pesticide Control Program under the Missouri Pesticide Use Act. It certifies and licenses commercial applicators, the people who apply pesticides on someone else's property as a service for pay. To get certified, an applicator must pass a general exam and at least one category exam and show proof of insurance, and licenses must be renewed every year. Details are on the department's pesticide control page. We did not find a public online license search for Missouri, so call the Pesticide Control Program to confirm a license.

How to check a company before you hire

• Ask for the name and license number of the certified applicator who will do or supervise the work, and confirm it with the Pesticide Control Program.
• Ask which pest they found and what proof they saw, especially for termites or brown recluse spiders.
• Ask what the treatment involves, where it goes and what you need to do to get ready.
• Get the plan, the follow-up visits and any warranty in writing before you sign.
• Read reviews from other Missouri customers, and write your own review after the job. See how reviews work.