Pest Control & Exterminator Business Insurance

Pest control professionals know all about getting rid of unwanted critters. But how can they protect their business from unexpected financial losses? That’s where pest control business insurance comes in. While there isn’t a specific policy called “pest control business insurance,” your business can benefit from having a tailored policy that addresses the specific risks pest control professionals may face.

For example, a pest control professional may accidentally damage or stain a client’s furniture, cause a leak that may lead to a client’s chemical exposure, or get into a traffic accident while driving their company’s truck. Events like these can come at a high price that small businesses may not be able to handle out of pocket.  

Business insurance may help offset the high cost of covered accidents for exterminators and other pest control professionals.  

At Infinity Insurance Agency Inc. (IIA), we work with pest management professionals and exterminators to help them understand which option fits their business budget and needs.  

Who needs pest control business insurance?

The pest control industry includes various types of businesses. From offering residential extermination services to monthly landscape maintenance, pest control businesses fall into these main categories:

1. Residential pest control

These are businesses that provide on-site pest control at homes, apartments, or residential complexes. They may be run by one business owner or a team of pest management professionals (PMPs). They usually offer pest removal or maintenance services. For example, they might chemically treat an apartment to deal with a bed bug infestation or apply treatments to a house’s perimeter to deter pests from entering.

2. Commercial pest control

Commercial pest control professionals help businesses avoid health violations or product contamination that insects, rodents, and other pests cause. They offer pest removal, inspection, and maintenance services. For example, they might remove a termite infestation at a warehouse or regularly inspect a restaurant to prevent insect activity that could lead to closure.

3. Exterminators

Exterminators identify and eliminate pests from homes and businesses. They may chemically treat an apartment to deal with an insect infestation or perform future maintenance checks to prevent re-infestation.  

4. Wildlife management

Wildlife management professionals mostly use humane practices to trap and relocate larger pests such as raccoons, birds, snakes, rodents, etc. They follow state guidelines and laws to avoid hurting any protected species.  

These various pest control businesses may need general liability insurance to help with the costs of third-party injuries or property damage, for example. Business auto insurance may help cover accidents involving the company vehicles.

Why do I need exterminator insurance?

Exterminators and other PMPs (pest management professionals) can use business insurance to address these issues:

1. You need to follow state requirements: Most states require commercial auto insurance. Some states require commercial general liability insurance. Texas, for instance, requires structural pest control businesses to carry liability coverage.  
2. You may deal with a chemical exposure event: Exterminators often handle harsh chemicals. If your business accidentally causes a client to be exposed to chemicals, commercial liability insurance may help pay for injuries to third parties. For example, if a PMP fumigates a residence but doesn’t ventilate the place properly, the residents could be harmed by the exposure.
3. Clients may ask for proof of insurance: Clients, especially homeowners or contracting businesses, often ask pest control professionals to carry insurance. Not having liability insurance may lead to losing some of these contracts.
4. A client’s property is damaged: You or an employee could accidentally cause a chemical spill that damages expensive furniture or appliances. Liability insurance could help offset the financial losses from such events.
5. Your company vehicle is involved in an accident: Accidents involving your business vehicle may not be covered by a personal auto insurance policy. Commercial auto insurance may help cover the costs of covered accidents.

How much does pest control business insurance cost?

Whether you’re a residential exterminator or work managing pests for large businesses, the price of your business insurance depends on a few factors:

• The type of business: High-risk services, such as residential fumigation, generally need more insurance since they carry more risk.  
• Your location: Every state has different laws on general liability insurance and commercial auto insurance minimums.
• The amount of the deductible you choose: Higher deductibles usually mean lower monthly premiums.
• Your business profile: The size and age of your business, how many employees you have, any claims history, and licenses you hold can affect your business insurance policy and prices.