It depends. The state divides all pest control employees into those with and without a license. Without a Louisiana pest control license, you are a technician who can only work under the supervision of a licensed pest control expert.

When it comes to pest control licenses in Louisiana, they are divided into several specific categories:

• General Pest: This is a general license that covers various pests in residential settings. Professionals in this field make an average salary of $39,000 per year.
• Commercial Vertebrate: This license is specifically for dealing with rodents and other vertebrate animals in commercial settings. Those with this license earn around $50,000 annually.
• Termite: Inspectors with this license are knowledgeable in handling termites and other wood-destroying organisms. The average pay for this occupation is approximately $36,000 per year.
• Structural Fumigation: Technicians with this license specialize in fumigating structures to eliminate termites and other pests. The annual salary for this job is about $40,000.
• Commodity Fumigation: Pest control technicians with this license are authorized to protect food-based products and other commodities from pests. They earn a salary of about $40,000.
• Ship Fumigation: Fumigators with this license work specifically on ships. Due to the specialization, the average salary for this occupation is $62,000 annually.

If you are interested in becoming a pest control professional in Louisiana, you have various options for obtaining a license.

One option is to pursue a four-year degree with a major in entomology. This educational route provides a solid foundation in pest control knowledge.

Alternatively, you can gain practical experience by working as an unlicensed technician under the supervision of a licensed professional for a minimum of four years. This hands-on approach allows you to learn the necessary skills without the need for formal education.

Another option is to obtain a four-year degree with at least 12 semester hours in entomology and gain one year of supervised experience under a licensed pest control expert.

If you prefer gaining experience over formal education, this can be a cost-effective choice, as you can meet the license's education requirements without incurring the expense of attending school.

In addition to education or experience, certain specializations within pest control require additional steps. For example, for fumigation work, you must complete a specific number of jobs (ranging from 50 to 200) under the supervision of a licensee, depending on the type of fumigation.

Furthermore, if you are interested in termite control, you will need to complete a comprehensive termite education course to obtain a termite control license.

Once you have met the necessary education and experience requirements, you must pass an exam administered by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The exam fee is $50. These exams are typically held at the beginning of the year, although additional dates may be scheduled to accommodate school schedules.

There are various resources available to help you prepare for the exam, such as courses offered by local career colleges or guides that can be accessed for free at your local library.

If you are looking for a pest control job in Louisiana, here is some helpful information:

- Louisiana offers an average pest control wage of $17.79 per hour. You can find more details on this website.

- Acquiring a license in pest control allows you to work independently and earn a higher salary.

- Louisiana experiences a high demand for pest control jobs due to its warm and damp climate.

- To find employment opportunities, it is recommended to reach out to local pest control companies in Louisiana.

- During the interview, emphasize your years of experience and educational background.

- Expect questions related to your practical knowledge in pest control, so it is important to be prepared to respond effectively.

In Louisiana, the pest-control industry is responding to consumer demands for reduced chemical exposure by incorporating more natural ingredients. If you are working in this field, the Louisiana Pest Management Association is a valuable resource. They regularly organize events specifically for home service professionals in the industry. Additionally, licensed technicians can benefit from supplemental training courses offered by the organization. Check out their website here.

Occupational Safety in Pest-Control

If you work in the pest-control industry in Louisiana, it is crucial to prioritize your safety by wearing the appropriate protective equipment. Doing so will help safeguard you against direct harm from pesticides.

Despite taking proper precautions, it's important to acknowledge that this occupation can still pose risks to your health. Prolonged exposure to pesticides has been associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing breathing issues, skin rashes, and potentially even developing certain types of cancer.

If you work in the pest-control industry in Louisiana, here is some important information regarding license renewal:

- Louisiana’s licenses expire annually on December 31.

- To renew your license, you are required to take a test.

- The cost of license renewal is $50, which covers both registration and processing fees.

By keeping these key points in mind, you can successfully renew your pest-control license in Louisiana.