Don’t Let Unlicensed Exterminators Turn Your Pest Problem Into a Nightmare: The Critical Choice Michigan Homeowners Must Make
When pests invade your Michigan home, the urgency to eliminate them can lead to hasty decisions that put your family, property, and wallet at serious risk. While that unlicensed “exterminator” offering rock-bottom prices might seem tempting, choosing the wrong pest control professional could transform a simple pest problem into a costly disaster with lasting consequences.
Michigan’s Strict Licensing Requirements: More Than Just Red Tape
In Michigan, individuals who apply pesticides for commercial purposes are required to become certified or registered with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and commercial certification is required for anyone who applies pesticides for commercial purposes during their employment. All pesticide application businesses operating in Michigan must be licensed annually, including those who already hold a similar out of state license.
Obtaining a pest control license in Michigan requires completing a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development approved training program, followed by taking a general standard exam and an additional exam in the specific technique or area where pesticides will be used. The exams cost $100 per person per exam attempt, and licenses must be renewed every third year on December 31.
The Hidden Dangers of Unlicensed Pest Control
When you hire an unlicensed exterminator, you’re essentially inviting danger into your home. An unlicensed pest exterminator may have skill, but lacks understanding of policies regarding practical safety and responsible pesticide use, putting children, pets and the ecosystem in potential danger due to the risk of misapplication.
The extermination jobs performed by unlicensed individuals may lead to chemical exposure and vastly abusing the use of pesticides, even when environmental safety standards do not permit it, often wrongfully treating areas with unnecessary chemicals which over time leads to damage and harm.
Financial and Legal Risks You Can’t Afford
A licensed exterminator will have liability insurance that covers property damage and bodily injury, and having undergone acceptance requirements, the exterminator is more knowledgeable about industry standards and safety precautions. Unlicensed operators typically lack this crucial insurance coverage, leaving you financially vulnerable if something goes wrong.
Some states have harsh penalties for unlicensed individuals performing pest control work, particularly when working with fumigants and other potentially toxic substances, with penalties reaching up to $5,000 and up to 6 months in jail for licensing violations.
Health Risks to Your Family
Some pesticides are known to be harmful to human health, especially if they get on the skin, in the eyes, or into the lungs. Licensed professionals understand proper application techniques, safety protocols, and the correct products to use for specific situations. Licensed exterminators are qualified to determine what types of pests exist and what treatment is suitable for that specific pest type, within safe and lawful limits, and these professionals insure themselves against property-related errors.
Environmental Protection and Integrated Pest Management
Instead of using only pesticides, integrated pest management (IPM) uses a variety of methods as part of a pest management program, minimizing damage caused by pests while also minimizing harm to humans, animals, property, and the environment. Licensed commercial pesticide applicators must participate in verifiable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Training Programs approved by the director.
What to Look for in a Licensed Professional
When selecting a professional exterminator in Michigan, verify their credentials through MDARD’s licensing database. Ask for their license number and look it up on your state’s website, check online reviews, and ask the exterminator to provide references.
Each technician that applies pesticide must be certified by the Michigan Department of Agriculture, certification cards must be carried on their person, so ask to see the card when technicians arrive to your home.
The Bottom Line: Your Family’s Safety Is Worth the Investment
Aside from it being against the law to administer pesticides without a license, a professional exterminator provides much higher quality service, not just getting rid of pests but also preventing them from returning. A license is an assurance of dedication to understanding regulatory details, and when you employ a registered person, you step into a system that promotes healthy people, protects property, and conserves the environment.
Don’t gamble with your family’s health and safety. The few dollars you might save by hiring an unlicensed operator pale in comparison to the potential costs of property damage, health issues, or legal problems. Choose a licensed, insured professional who understands Michigan’s regulations and prioritizes your family’s wellbeing above all else.