Pest control in New Mexico

What to know about pest control in New Mexico

Pest control in New Mexico covers scorpions, black widows, termites and rodents that can carry serious disease. The New Mexico Department of Agriculture licenses the people who do this work, and each person who handles pesticides should be able to show you a state license.

Common pests in New Mexico

State health officials, the CDC and New Mexico State University point to these pests.

• Rodents and hantavirus. The state health department says infected rodents spread hantavirus through their urine, droppings and saliva, and people catch it by breathing in the virus. Keeping rodents out of and away from the home is the main way to prevent it. See rodents.
• Fleas and plague. Plague spreads to people mainly through bites from infected rodent fleas. The CDC says most US cases are in northern New Mexico and Arizona. See fleas and ticks.
• Scorpions. New Mexico State says most scorpion stings feel about like a wasp sting. One dangerous species lives in southwestern New Mexico and southern Arizona.
• Black widows. New Mexico State lists the black widow among the venomous spiders found in the state. See spiders.
• Termites. Termite inspections and treatment need a special state certification. See our termite page.

Who licenses pest control companies in New Mexico

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture licenses pest control professionals through its pesticide compliance program. The department says each person who handles pesticides must be licensed and should show you that license. Anyone who inspects for or treats termites needs extra training and a wood destroying pest certification. The department's advice on hiring a pest control professional covers what to ask, and its license lookup page lets you search for licensed applicators and businesses.

How to check a company before you hire

1. Ask each technician for their state license, and look up the company and applicator with the department.
2. Get estimates from more than one company. Most pest problems can wait a few days.
3. Ask which pest they found and how they plan to treat it.
4. Get the treatment plan, the cost and any warranty in writing. For termite work, ask what the warranty covers and whether there is a yearly inspection fee.
5. Read reviews from other customers. Compare the companies on this page, and write a review once the work is done. You can also see how reviews work.