Pest control in New Jersey

What to know about pest control in New Jersey

New Jersey homeowners deal with termites, ticks and cockroaches, among other pests. Any company that applies pesticides for hire in the state needs a state license, so checking that license is a good first step before you hire anyone.

Common pests in New Jersey

Rutgers Cooperative Extension publishes guides on the pests New Jersey homes see most often. A few stand out.

• Subterranean termites. All the termites that occur naturally in the Northeast nest in the soil and build mud tubes to reach wood. Most people first notice them in spring, when winged swarmers leave the nest. See our termite page.
• Blacklegged ticks. Also called deer ticks, they carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Check yourself, your children and your pets after time in woods or tall grass. See fleas and ticks.
• Lone star ticks. Rutgers says this tick has long been a problem in the south of the state and may be moving north.
• Cockroaches. Rutgers counts seven cockroach species that infest homes and businesses in New Jersey. The German, American and Oriental cockroaches are the most common. See cockroaches.

Who licenses pest control companies in New Jersey

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection licenses pest control companies through its pesticide control program. Any business that applies pesticides for hire, exterminators included, must hold a Pesticide Applicator Business license from the department. Each business location must employ at least one licensed commercial pesticide applicator. You can read the rules on the department's pesticide applicator business page.

How to check a company before you hire

1. Ask for the company's state business license number and the name of the licensed applicator who will treat your home. Confirm both with the department's pesticide control program before you sign.
2. Ask which pest they found, what they saw that shows it, and how they plan to treat it.
3. Ask what you need to do before and after treatment, such as clearing cabinets or keeping pets out of a room.
4. Get the treatment plan, the cost and any warranty in writing, including what happens if the pests come back.
5. Read reviews from other customers. Compare the companies on this page, and write a review after your job is done so your neighbors can learn from it. You can also see how reviews work.