Pest control in Oklahoma

What to know about pest control in Oklahoma

Oklahoma homeowners deal with venomous spiders, scorpions and termites, often in the same house. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry licenses every pest control company, including one-person operations, for the type of work it does.

Common pests in Oklahoma

Oklahoma State University Extension describes these pests as common problems in and around Oklahoma homes.

• Brown recluse and black widow spiders. Oklahoma State says these are the only two spiders in the state considered dangerous to people. Recluses rest in quiet spots such as closets, basements, attics, storage boxes, old shoes and behind baseboards. See spiders.
• Scorpions. They hunt at night and hide by day under boxes, boards, leaf litter and door mats, or inside walls. Oklahoma State says the scorpions found in the state are not considered dangerously venomous, but you should see a doctor if you are stung.
• Subterranean termites. The first sign is often a sudden swarm of winged termites indoors. Long, narrow mud tubes on walls and foundations are another clue. See our termite page.
• Ticks. Pets bring ticks indoors. Oklahoma State suggests cleaning or replacing pet bedding, and pets often need treatment too. See fleas and ticks.

Who licenses pest control companies in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry handles pest control licensing through its Consumer Protection Services division. Anyone who applies pesticides commercially must be certified, and every company must be licensed for the type of work it does. General household pest work and termite work are separate license categories, so a company that treats termites needs the structural pest category. Read about the program on the department's pesticides page, and look up a license with its public license search.

How to check a company before you hire

1. Look up the company and its applicators in the department's license search. For termite work, check that the license covers termites.
2. Ask which pest they found and what they saw that shows it.
3. Ask how they plan to treat it, and what you need to do before and after treatment.
4. Get the treatment plan, the cost and any warranty in writing, including follow-up visits.
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.