Pest control in Pennsylvania

What to know about pest control in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania homeowners deal with termites in basements, ticks in wooded yards and invasive insects that gather on houses in the fall. Pest control companies need a state business license and at least one certified applicator, so it pays to check before you hire.

Common pests in Pennsylvania

Penn State Extension tracks the pests Pennsylvania residents ask about most.

• Eastern subterranean termites. Penn State says they are present throughout the state. Swarms of winged termites usually appear between February and June, and most infestations are found in basements and the wood just above cellar walls. See our termite page.
• Ticks. Blacklegged ticks and American dog ticks are the two Penn State is asked to identify most. Blacklegged ticks are best known for spreading Lyme disease. See fleas and ticks.
• Brown marmorated stink bugs. This invasive bug was first collected in Allentown and gathers on houses on warm fall days looking for a place to spend the winter. It does not breed indoors or damage the house. Sealing gaps around windows, doors and siding is the best way to keep it out.
• Spotted lanternflies. This invasive insect has spread across the state since it was found in Berks County. It feeds on the sap of grapevines, maples, black walnut and many other plants. Penn State asks residents to report sightings.

Who licenses pest control companies in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture licenses pest control companies. Any business that uses commercial applicators to apply pesticides needs a pesticide application business license. To hold one, the business must have at least one certified applicator and meet the state's insurance requirements. The department explains the license on its pesticide application businesses page, which also links to a search of licensed businesses by county and type of work.

How to check a company before you hire

1. Ask for the company's business license number and look it up through the department's business search.
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.