As summer winds down, I anxiously await all the things I enjoy about autumn. The start of hockey and football seasons, the fall breeze, greener landscape as the rain falls. However, when spring comes around again, I’m sure I’ll face that annual decision of whether to drag my sprayer out of the garage, or contract with a pest control company to keep insects away from my home.
I always wonder whether the environment is better served with me spraying chemicals that I buy at my local home outlet store, or with the pest control outfit who must balance the consumer’s quest to eradicate pesky critters and insects v. the responsibility of doing as little harm to the eco-system as possible.
In many states, the decision to use a pest control company may be easier for the consumer based on the notion that pest control outfits are regulated, insured, and licensed. In Texas for instance, The Department of Agriculture regulates pest control businesses. Pest control companies must obtain a specific business license from the Department of Ag before conducting business. Each license holder must designate a responsible certified commercial applicator who isn’t serving as a certified commercial applicator for any other licensee or location.
Applicants must pay a license fee of $180, and pass a license exam before business can be conducted. A license requirement exists, too, where an applicant for Department of Ag business license must file a policy or contract of insurance in an amount of not less than $200,000 bodily injury and property damage coverage with a minimum total aggregate of $300,000 for all occurrences, insuring against liability for damage to persons or property under his care, custody or control.
As my favorite NHL team, the Edmonton Oilers tries to secure a playoff spot I may still be making the quick trip to my hardware and home store between periods to gear up for spraying the house. However, if I opt to use my local pest control specialist instead, at least I’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that the business is legitimate and insured.
Steve Elias, Team Leader-Business License Research Team, Corporation Service Company
Posted by selias | Permalink | Email to a friend | No Comments »
Posted in: Uncategorized