Pest control in North Dakota

What to know about pest control in North Dakota

North Dakota summers bring ticks and mosquitoes, and bed bugs can turn up in any season. Two state agencies share the job of overseeing pest control here, so it helps to know where to check an applicator's credentials.

Common pests in North Dakota

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services tracks these pests and the illnesses some of them carry.

• Ticks. The most common ticks in North Dakota are the American dog tick and the blacklegged tick, also called the deer tick. The state lists Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever among the illnesses ticks can carry. Ticks are most active in spring and summer. See our tick and flea companies.
• Mosquitoes. The state tracks West Nile virus, which mosquitoes spread, and publishes a yearly report on it. See mosquito control companies.
• Bed bugs. Bed bugs do not spread disease, but they feed on people while they sleep and hide on or near beds and other furniture. They usually travel in luggage, bags and folded clothes. See bed bug companies.

Who licenses pest control companies in North Dakota

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture regulates pesticide use through its Pesticide and Fertilizer Division. Certification of applicators is run by the North Dakota State University Extension Pesticide Certification Program. Anyone who applies pesticides to the land or property of another for hire must be certified as a commercial applicator, which means passing exams and showing proof of financial responsibility. Start with the department's applicator certification page, and use NDSU's certification search to look up an applicator by name or ID number.

How to check a company before you hire

• Ask for the name and certification number of the applicator who will treat your home, then look them up in the NDSU certification search.
• Ask what pest they found and how they know. For bed bugs, ask how they will inspect beds, furniture and nearby rooms.
• Ask what the treatment involves and what you need to do before and after each visit.
• Get the plan, the number of visits and any warranty in writing.
• Read reviews from other North Dakota customers, and write a review when the job is done. See how reviews work.