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Are You Licensed to Practice as an Exterminator in Denver?

Denver exterminators are not required to obtain a locally issued occupational license to provide their services to members of the public. However, any exterminator who intends to use or supervise the use of pesticides in eliminating pests from a customer's home or property must obtain the appropriate license and certification for such work from the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

Applying pesticides without holding the appropriate license or certification may attract civil penalties for offenders. The maximum penalty shall not exceed $1,000 per violation, except where a court doubles the penalty after determining that the offender has committed the same crime a second time. To avoid civil penalties, exterminators in the city are encouraged to contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Applicator Coordinator at (303) 869-9063 to find out about the licensing and certification process.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture issues several pesticide applicator licenses to interested persons. These license types include:

• Qualified supervisor license: For anyone who wishes to evaluate pest problems, recommends pest controls using pesticides or devices, mixes, loads, or applies any pesticide, sells any application services, and operates devices without any supervision
• Certified operator license: For anyone who intends to use restricted-use pesticides without the on-site supervision of a qualified supervisor
• Private applicator license: For individuals who use or supervise the use of a restricted-use pesticide to produce an agricultural commodity on property owned or leased by the applicator or the applicator's employer
• Commercial applicator license: for individuals, other than a private applicator, who engage in the business of applying pesticides for hire

To obtain any of the aforementioned pesticide applicator licenses, interested persons must first pass one or more licensing examinations administered by the Department. Note that the examination type is typically determined by the category of license the individual intends to obtain. For more information on exam types, registration, and schedule, call (303) 869-9063.

After passing the appropriate exam, applicants can apply for the pest applicator license they want. Applicants who wish to apply for a qualified supervisor or certified operator license can do so on the same online portal, while those interested in obtaining a private applicator license can do so on a different online portal.

Although the Department has stopped paper applications, applicants who may not be able to use the online portal can still request paper applications. Applicants with questions concerning the licensing portals or paper application can contact the Program Coordinator at (303) 869-9063. Regardless of the application process, applicants must provide accurate information and pay the appropriate licensing fees for their application to be considered.

In addition to obtaining an appropriate pesticide applicator license and certification, exterminators who apply or supervise the use of restricted-use pesticides must also be certified as private or commercial applicators by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is typically performed based on Federal Certification Standards, and applicants can obtain a private applicator certification after demonstrating a practical understanding of agricultural pest problems and treatment strategies and correct pesticide storage, use, handling, and disposal.

Similarly, applicants can obtain a commercial applicator certificate after showing that they understand basic pesticide use and safety and at least one specialty application area. Applicants can contact the EPA through email or fill out this online form for more information on Federal Certification Standards.

Are You Registered with the Colorado State Pest Control Association?

A poor pest control service exposes you to various liabilities, including health problems, property damage, and potential court cases. As a result, it is essential not only to hire an experienced and competent professional but also an individual who is a member of a state-recognized pest control association. Professionals who are members of a pest control association often comply with industry standards, state pesticide regulations, and EPA guidelines, consequently reducing the possibility of mistakes during the job.

Most pest control professionals in Denver are members of the Colorado Pest Control Association, a state-wide organization providing education, training, communication and cooperation to enhance the positive industry image through community relations and to monitor and participate in legislative and regulatory advocacy.

For more information on the benefits of hiring a member of the Colorado Pest Control Association, call (800)678-6722. Interested persons can find pest control professionals who are members of the Colorado Pest Control Association by visiting the association's website or on a third-party website maintained by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

How Much Do You Charge for Pest Control Services and Why?

Various factors influence the cost of a pest control service in Denver. These include the size of the affected area, the type of pest control method to be used, and how frequently the pest treatment will be administered. While these factors typically influence the cost of a pest control service in the city, homeowners should be wary of professionals who charge ridiculous prices by claiming that the pest infestation is too much or that they will use a different pest control method for the job.

To avoid falling for these tricks, homeowners should always speak to at least three different exterminators whenever they need a pest control service. It is good to invite each professional to the affected area as this will enable them to assess the severity of the pest problem. Homeowners should also ensure that each exterminator submits a written estimate for the job after inspecting the area. By getting and comparing these estimates, homeowners can determine the actual cost of the pest control service they need.

Pest control workers in Denver earn an average annual wage of $46,070. The list below compares the average hourly wages of this category of professionals in the city with those in other parts of the State of Colorado and other locations across the United States:

Do You Comply with Denver Regulations for Pesticide Application?

Although there are no specific pesticide regulations in Denver, professionals who intend to use or supervise the use of pesticides in the city may be required to comply with the state's guidelines.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is responsible for administering and enforcing the state's Pesticide Act. Some requirements of the Colorado Pesticide Act include the mandatory registration of every pesticide product to be used across the state, application for a state permit to use certain pesticide products, prohibition of the use of a pesticide product on which a written cease and desist order was issued, and compulsory notification of customers of the potential side effects of a pesticide product before use.

Note that using a pesticide product in a manner not by the state's Pesticide Act may lead to the suspension of the professional. For more information concerning the state's Pesticide Act, contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture at (303) 869-9063

What Type of Pest Control Method Are You Using?

Pest control methods refer to any treatment or elimination solution to rid your home or property of pests. While you can initiate a simple pest control method in your home, hiring a professional to accurately identify the pest problem and select the best pest control method is always in your best interest. Depending on the pest problem in your home, exterminators can choose any of the following pest control methods listed below:

• Organic Pest Control: In dealing with pest infestations, this control method focuses on the use of natural compounds such as spinosad, pyrethrin, neem oil, diatomaceous earth, bacillus thuringiensis, or sulfur rather than manufactured chemicals such as pesticides. Among the organic pest management options are:
  • Wondercide All-Purpose Organic Home & Garden Insect Control
  • EcoRaider Ant & Crawling Insect Killer
  • EcoSmart Ant & Roach Killer
  • Verdana Cold-Pressed Organic Neem Oil
  • Essentria IC3

In addition, organic pest control strategies also involve using trap crops, pheromone traps, and the release of beneficial insects.

Biological Pest Control: This involves using biological control agents such as parasites, pathogens, and predators because of their ability to kill and keep pests at bay effectively. The biological pest control method is a proactive strategy in which action is taken before pest presence or at the first sign of their presence. For example, introducing Lacewings (Chrysopa spp.), a predatory insect that feeds on or lays eggs in the insects you want to get rid of, can help reduce the numbers of pests exponentially after their first outbreak. Note that this control method can be counterproductive if a specialist does not handle it.

Physical and Mechanical Pest Control: This strategy involves using devices and physical barriers to eliminate and reduce the spread of pests. Common means to control pests include tillage, flaming, flooding, soil solarization, and row covers. At the same time, devices such as screens, fences, barriers, traps, and mulches are used as mechanical solutions to pest problems.

Chemical Pest Control: This control method involves the application of pesticides as pest treatment. Although this method works faster, it is considered a more dangerous way to eliminate pests. This method can result in severe health problems if the pesticide is improperly used. As a result, pesticide applications should be left to licensed professionals alone. A qualified pest control professional understands when to administer pesticides and the type of pesticide required for a specific pest infestation. Common chemical pesticides used by exterminators include:

• • CimeXa Insecticide Dust
  • Suspend SC Concentrate
  • Termidor SC Concentrate
  • BioAdvanced 3-in-1 Insect Disease & Mite Control

Having seen that hiring a competent hand for pest control services is safer, interested persons should not hesitate to get recommendations from trusted families, neighbors, and associates. Interested persons can also visit third-party websites such as Better Business Bureau for qualified pest control workers. Here, you can check for reviews and testimonies on the professional you intend to hire.

What Household Pests Do You Control?

Denver exterminators offer various pest control services depending on the needs of their clients. These services include pest extermination, pest removal, and pest prevention. Pest extermination includes every activity to eradicate any pest infestation in an area completely. Similarly, pest removal involves using a control method to rid a customer's home of larger pests like snakes, raccoons, and opossums.

On the other hand, pest prevention involves using several observational practices and precautionary measures to ensure that pests do not enter an area.

While most pest control firms in Denver provide all three types of pest control services, choosing a professional specializing in the type of pest services you need is in your best interest. However, before the professional begins work on your home, discuss the nature of the job and how much it will cost to accomplish it. Listed below are pricing estimates for some pest control services in Denver:

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Exterminators in Denver?

Denver exterminators who wish to apply pesticides for hire are required to furnish the Colorado Department of Agriculture with evidence of liability insurance as part of the requirements for obtaining a commercial applicator license. This general liability insurance shall be in a minimum of $400,000. For more information concerning the insurance requirement for obtaining a commercial applicator license, call (303) 869-9063.

Reputable professionals who understand the risks associated with pest control will always have active general liability insurance. The use of certain pesticides may result in serious physical and health problems such as blindness, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, injuries, and death. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, four fatal and 2,820 nonfatal on-the-job injuries among pest control workers were registered in 2020 alone.

If a non-insured professional gets injured on the job, homeowners must bear in mind that they are most likely going to pay for the medical bills of the injured professional. The only way to avoid this is by ensuring that your preferred professional has an active insurance policy. Homeowners should always ask the professional they intend to hire for proof of insurance. Nonetheless, homeowners should not hesitate to verify whatever proof they are given by contacting the professional's insurance company.

Choosing Between Local Pest Control Firms and Large National Chains: The Pros and Cons

While engaging a professional to deal with your pest problem is always simple, choosing between a local exterminator and a large corporation like Arrow, Aptive, Orkin, or Bulwark is not. In such cases, homeowners should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of employing a local exterminator vs a large pest control company.

The benefits and drawbacks of hiring a local or national brand are listed below. In such situations, homeowners must first compare the advantages and disadvantages of hiring a local exterminator or a big pest control company. Listed below are the advantages and disadvantages of hiring a local or national brand.

Pros

Cons