Chattooga County residents who are approached at their homes by someone offering pest control services are being urged to ask for a state-issued license before signing a contract or allowing any work to begin.

The warning comes from the Georgia Department of Agriculture, which says it has seen an increase in reports of unlicensed individuals going door-to-door soliciting pest control business. The department’s Structural Pest Division has already conducted 48 investigations involving unlicensed operators during 2026.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper says consumers should ask door-to-door representatives to show either a Registered Employee License or Certified Operator License issued by the state. Pest control representatives are required to carry their license and present it when requested. The company employing the representative must also hold a Structural Pest Control Company License.

State officials say the licensing requirement is more than a consumer-protection issue. Licensed pest control professionals must meet training and competency requirements involving the handling and application of pesticides. Unlicensed operators may not have that training or state oversight.

Consumers should also pay close attention to contracts presented during door-to-door sales. The Department of Agriculture says certain contracts resulting from door-to-door transactions are covered by Georgia’s Fair Business Practices Act and must include a three-day right to cancel, with that right clearly disclosed in the contract.

Residents who encounter someone selling pest control services who cannot or will not show a valid license are encouraged to report the individual to the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Consumers can also check with the department before hiring a company to verify that both the business and its pest control workers are properly licensed.

Violations of Georgia’s pest control licensing requirements can result in civil penalties of up to $10,000, depending on the circumstances.

The Department of Agriculture’s Structural Pest Office can be reached at 404-656-3641 for additional information.