Insurance Requirements for Pest Control, Extermination, and Fumigation
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Whether your pest control company handles general extermination, termite treatments, wildlife removal, commercial accounts, or full‑scale fumigation, carrying the right pest control business insurance isn’t optional, it’s required. State regulators, landlords, commercial clients, and licensing agencies expect pest control operators to maintain specific insurance policies before performing chemical applications.
Understanding these requirements will help you stay compliant and protect your business from costly claims.
1) General Liability Insurance (Required in Most States)
Most state pest control licensing boards require General Liability (GL) with minimum limits, commonly $300,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the state.
GL covers:
Customer injuries (slip‑and‑fall)
Property damage caused during service
Accidental over-spray/front‑yard damage
Your state’s Department of Agriculture or pest control licensing board outlines GL requirements. Many commercial clients also require additional insured endorsements and certificates before allowing work onsite.
2) Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) – Required for Termite Bonds
If your business offers:
Termite inspections
Termite bonds/warranties
Bed bug treatments
Moisture/wood‑destroying organism (WDO) reporting
you will likely be required to carry Professional Liability (E&O). This protects your business if a customer claims misapplication, improper treatment, or inspection errors.
Termite-related claims often have long-tail exposure, making professional liability essential.
3) Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL) – Required for Chemical Applicators
Standard general liability does not cover chemical drift, over-spray, contamination, or environmental damage.
CPL covers incidents involving:
Pesticides
Chemicals
Fumigation gases
Drift affecting surrounding areas
Storage and transportation exposures
Many commercial contracts (restaurants, apartments, warehouses) require CPL before awarding pest control bids.
4) Commercial Auto – Required for Any Pest Control Fleet
Your vehicles carry chemicals, equipment, and technicians daily. Nearly all states require commercial auto policies that cover:
Liability
Physical damage
Hired/non‑owned auto (if techs use personal vehicles)
Driver MVRs, telematics, and mileage impact pricing.
5) Workers’ Compensation – Required for Employees
If you have technicians, admin staff, or helpers, workers’ compensation is typically mandatory. This covers:
Technician injuries
Medical bills
Lost wages
Job‑related accidents
Pest control technicians face climbing, lifting, ladder use, and chemical exposure, making workers’ comp essential.
6) Tools, Equipment, and Inland Marine Coverage
Fumigation tarps, sprayers, heat units, foggers, and traps can be expensive. Many commercial accounts and lenders require proof these items are insured.
Get the Right Insurance Requirements in Place for Your Pest Control Business
Not all insurers understand extermination, fumigation, or chemical application risks, and requirements vary depending on state law, contracts, and services offered. Wexford Insurance partners with top-rated carriers that specialise in pest control business insurance, helping owners secure the right limits, deductibles, endorsements, and policy forms to stay compliant and fully protected.
👉 Request your Pest Control Business insurance quote from Wexford Insurance today and ensure your technicians, customers, and business meet every requirement.
