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How you can make an informed choice when engaging with a pest controller.
Most people will undertake pest control around their home, property or business at some stage, using pesticides purchased from a hardware store or supermarket. Sometimes you might have pest problems that will be too difficult for you to manage yourself. For these jobs, you should hire a licensed pest control operator. If you need professional pest control services, it’s essential to check that both the registered business and pest management technician are licensed.
Licensing ensures pest control operators are competent to use pesticides safely to prevent harm to people, pets, native animals and the environment.
Licences carry ‘Endorsements’ which show that the pest control operator has successfully completed training to deal with particular pest problems.
Any business who offers pest control services in South Australia for fee or reward must hold a Pest Controller’s licence.
Anyone who applies pesticides in South Australia for payment (fee or reward) must hold the appropriate Pest Management Technician’s Licence.
There are three main types of pesticide licence, including a:
If you need professional pest control services, contact a company that has a valid SA Health Pest Controller licence issued by Controlled Substances Licensing (CSL) in the Department for Health and Wellbeing (SA Health). No other entity in South Australia, other than SA Health, can issue these licences.
For the consumer of pest control services, the most important licences are the FPMT and the LPMT. The person who physically undertakes the pest control work must hold one of these licences, so ask to see it.
FPMTs are issued a photo ID card
On the back of the card, you will see the types of pesticides and types of pest control work the FPMT is authorised to undertake. In this example photo ID, the FPMT is authorised to use fungicides, herbicides and insecticides (excluding arsenic trioxide) for control of weeds and plant pests. These licence endorsements show the technician has obtained qualifications specific to that type of pest control work and are very important in helping you make an informed choice. Photo ID cards are not issued to LPMTs. LPMT’s do not have photo ID cards, as they are only authorised to work under the supervision of a FPMT.
Both FPMTs and LPMTs are issued with a paper licence (which they may or may not carry with them). The paper licence contains the same details as the photo ID card.
Some LPMTs can undertake pest control work without their supervisor being physically present. These LPMTs have completed the pesticide safety component of their studies and may be authorised to work under Indirect Supervision. This means they must be within sight and/or sound (including telephone) of a supervising FPMT.
CSL issues approval to work under Indirect Supervision in writing, so you can ask to see the letter of approval or contact CSL for confirmation by emailing HealthControlledSubstances@sa.gov.au.
If you have undertaken a search but remain unsure, contact CSL to verify the company and/or technician’s pesticide licence details by emailing HealthControlledSubstances@sa.gov.au
SA Health may investigate pest control operators for breaches of the Controlled Substances (Pesticides) Regulations 2017 or conditions of licence, including undertaking pest control work:
SA Health does not assist with compensation claims for damage. Any compensation claims must be made through civil action.
To make an initial complaint about pest control services, contact CSL on 8226 7100. For action to be taken, information in writing should be submitted using the complaints form.
If you believe your consumer rights have been infringed contact Consumer and Business Services (CBS). For more information visit www.sa.gov.au.
If you are concerned about the misuse of agricultural chemicals, contact the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA). For more information visit Reporting chemical misuse - PIRSA.