Look for License when hiring Pest Controller

Beware: The bugs are back, ready to wage war on your home, lawn and garden. But when you enlist troops to fight back this summer, be sure they’re licensed to kill. Any commercial turf and landscape-maintenance professional who applies any weed killer, insecticide or fungicide as part of his business must possess an approved South Carolina pesticide applicator’s license. A bright yellow decal in the shape of the state of South Carolina is issued to licensed pesticide applicators in the Palmetto State. The pesticide licensing process ensures that the pest-control professional has passed a qualifying examination evaluating the applicator’s knowledge about using pesticides safely, and that the applicator carries adequate liability insurance to cover mishaps that may occur due to the pest-control activities. Identifying a properly licensed applicator is easy: Look for a bright yellow decal in the shape of the state of South Carolina on both sides of the vehicle stamped with the words “South Carolina Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator.” Applicators who transport pesticides are required to display the decals.