PF - Pesticide Business

• Category or Categories of Business

  Read the descriptions of the commercial pesticide applicator categories and subcategories. Compare these descriptions to the planned business activity.

  • Commercial Applicator Information
  • Commercial Applicator Certification Categories

• Certified Applicator(s)

  For each category in which the business will operate, at least one employee must have a current Kansas commercial pesticide applicator certification in the same category. This certification requirement can be met by hiring appropriately certified staff and/or by the owner becoming certified. The certification requirement can be met with a single applicator certified in all of the business categories or with applicators certified in individual or multiple categories so that all of the business categories are covered. There is no requirement for any given individual to be certified in all of the business categories, nor is it a business licensure requirement for the owner be certified but often the owner opts to do so and we strongly recommend it.

  1. Obtain Study Manuals. Commercial pesticide applicator study manuals are available from the Kansas State University Distribution Center, local county extension offices or online. Everyone must take the General exam based on the General manual in addition to the category or subcategory exam(s) to become a certified commercial applicator.
     • Order study manuals using the 2021 Training Manual Order Form, or;
     • Download a digital copy of most study manuals for free from KSU at K-State Research and Extension's Pesticide Safety Education webpage.
  2. Study and take exams. Thoroughly study the manuals and come to an exam site with a valid photo ID. Pre-registration is required. Exams are $45 per examination. General exam and exam retakes are also $45 each.
     • Pesticide Certification Exam Schedule

• Apply for a Kansas Pesticide Business License

  1. Fill out the Pesticide Business License form. Be sure to list all employees who will apply pesticides for the business.
     • If registered technicians will be employed, be sure to include a Registered Pest Control Technician Application for each registered technician.
  2. Show proof of financial responsibility - pick one of four choices listed here:
     • Insurance:  Non-Aerial Insurance or Aerial Insurance
     • Surety Bond:  Surety Bond
     • Escrow account:  Escrow Form
     • Letter of credit: Letter of Credit
  3. Calculate the fee
     • $140 for each business license category
     • $15 for each uncertified applicator
     • $40 for each registered technician
  4. Mail application form, proof of financial responsibility, and the correct fee(s) to Kansas Department of Agriculture, Attn: Pesticide and Fertilizer Program, 1320 Research Park Dr, Manhattan, KS 66502.
     • You may also submit required documents and payment via email to KDA.PestFert@ks.gov. 
  5. A Statement of Service is required of all Pesticide Business License holders.  A diagram is required for all wood-destroying pests as part of the statement of service.

  *Do Not Engage in Pesticide Business Activity Until License Is Issued*

• Registering with the Secretary of State

  All corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited liability partnerships (LLPs), limited partnerships (LPs), and any other entity formed under the Kansas General Corporation Code, must register with the Kansas Secretary of State. Foreign (non-Kansas) businesses doing business in Kansas must also register with the Kansas Secretary of State. (K.S.A. 17-7901, K.S.A. 17-7932)

  General partnerships are not required to register with the Kansas Secretary of State but may file a Statement of Partnership Authority. Sole proprietors do not register with the Kansas Secretary of State.

  For more information on these requirements, please go here: https://sos.ks.gov/businesses/register-a-business.html

  Out-of-state (foreign) businesses must also register with the Kansas Secretary of State in order to do business in Kansas. Detailed instructions are found at the Secretary of State's website here: https://sos.ks.gov/forms/business_services/FA.pdf