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• November 5, 2025
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7 Signs You’re in Good Hands

In the United States, pest control is a regulated industry overseen by state and federal agencies to protect public health and the environment. Hiring an uncertified or inexperienced company can lead to property damage, unnecessary chemical risks, and ineffective results.

Before allowing anyone to treat your home or business, it’s essential to ensure they comply with the standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and, in the case of Florida, by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

Below are 7 signs that a pest control company is trustworthy and professional.

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1. Valid State Licenses

Every pest control company in the U.S. must hold a license issued by the state’s agricultural or public health department where it operates.
In Florida, for instance, this license is granted by the FDACS – Division of Agricultural Environmental Services, and its validity can be publicly verified on the official portal.

How to check:

• Ask for the business and technician license numbers.
• Verify their validity in the FDACS or state authority database.
• Ensure the license type (e.g., “Pest Control Operator” or “Limited Structural”) matches the service offered.

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2. Certified and Trained Technicians

Technicians must complete EPA-recognized training programs and pass state certification exams to demonstrate their competence in the safe use of pesticides.
A certified technician understands product toxicology, correct dosages, and environmental safety procedures.

Reference: The EPA requires that every Certified Applicator receive continuous education under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

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3. Use of Registered and Approved Products

Professional companies only use pesticides registered with the EPA and approved for residential or commercial use.
These products undergo strict safety and efficacy testing, and their labels must include an EPA Registration Number (“EPA Reg. No.”).

How to verify:

• Request the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
• Confirm that the EPA registration number is valid at epa.gov/pesticides.

Using unregistered or unverified products can lead to federal penalties and pose health and environmental risks.

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4. Pre-Inspection and Technical Diagnosis

A reputable company should never apply pesticides without first conducting a thorough inspection of the property.
A proper diagnosis helps identify the species, infestation level, and environmental conditions (moisture, cracks, organic debris, etc.) that promote pest activity.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accurate pest identification is the first step toward avoiding unnecessary or ineffective treatments.

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5. Detailed Estimate and Written Contract

A trustworthy company must provide a written estimate clearly stating:

• The type of pest to be treated.
• The proposed control method.
• The product used and its EPA number.
• The treatment areas and safety precautions.
• The total cost and warranty policy.

Avoid companies that quote over the phone without visiting the property or refuse to provide written documentation.

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6. Guarantees and Regulatory Compliance

Pest control involves public health responsibility. Companies must provide written service guarantees specifying the coverage period and re-treatment conditions.

They must also comply with storage, transportation, and disposal regulations for pesticides established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the EPA.

Compliance indicators:

• Technicians wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Transport vehicles are clearly identified.
• Chemical waste is disposed of following Federal Code 40 CFR Part 152.

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7. Verifiable Reputation and Documented Track Record

Before hiring, review the company’s reputation through official and public platforms:

• Better Business Bureau (BBB): to check complaint history.
• Google Business Profile: for verified customer reviews.
• Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz.org): to confirm legal registration.

A transparent company will not hide its credentials or customer feedback.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right pest control company is not about price or speed, but about regulatory compliance, technical training, and process traceability.
U.S. regulations are designed to ensure that pest control treatments are safe for people, animals, and the environment.

By verifying licenses, certifications, and product registrations, you not only protect your property—you also ensure the work is carried out according to state and federal standards.

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Final Recommendations for Homeowners and Property Managers

• Verify licenses on the official FDACS website or your state’s agriculture department.
• Always request an on-site inspection before approving any treatment.
• Ask for the EPA registration number of every product applied.
• Carefully read the contract and warranty conditions.
• Keep records of each treatment: date, technician, and results.

Applying these criteria will help you hire safe, auditable, and compliant pest control services in the United States.

At Cousins USA Pest Control, we operate under all EPA and FDACS regulations, prioritizing environmental safety and customer well-being.
If you’d like guidance on how to prevent infestations or learn more about Florida’s safest inspection protocols, our technical team can provide verified and up-to-date information.