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It is important to hire a professional pest control operator if you have pest problems that are too difficult to manage yourself. Look for a pest control operator who holds a Pest Control Licence. Due to the potential risks involved in handling pesticides, anyone who uses pesticides as part of a pest control business in Michigan must have a pest control operator licence The Department of Health and Human Services Michigan issues this licence.

Although pesticides are toxic and there are risks associated with pesticide use, licensed pest control operators are trained to handle, store and apply these substances safely.

If the appropriate precautions are taken to minimise exposure to pesticides, the risk to health is greatly reduced. Look for a pest control operator who holds a Pest Control Licence (a photo ID licence like the one pictured below).

This is issued by the Department of Health and Human Services under the Michigann to people who have an appropriate qualification. The qualification includes training in the safe handling, storage and application of pesticides, and the identification and management of pests. can be found on the back of the card, which should look similar to the sample below. for your job. are:

  • pesticides (excluding fumigants) formulated for the control of arthropods
  • rodents birds
  • fungi – for pests such as spiders cockroaches termites
  • ants house mice roof or black rats
  • common or Norway rats fleas mites
  • bed bugs silverfish flies
  • wasps mosquitoes beetles
  • introduced birds pesticides formulated for the control of pest animals – for pests such as rabbits
  • foxes in
  • around domestic commercial buildings in urban areas pest control such as fumigation of furniture
  • machinery clothing for quarantine purposes. above contact the Department of Health
  • Human Services for advice

It is illegal for a person in a pest control business to apply pesticides without a licence. A person with a Pest Control Licence should: answer your questions.

When choosing a pest control operator, make sure you: Get several quotes for the job.

Check that the person who will be applying the pesticides holds a valid Michigann Pest Control Licence. You can check the status of a on their licence.

Verify their details with the Department of Health and Human Services if you are unsure.

Check they have enough insurance

Ask any other questions you may have

If you use a commercial pest control operator you should: Ask the pest control operator for the full chemical name of the pesticide they will be using.

In case of an emergency, this will help with first aid

Relocate pets during treatment and until the pesticide is dry

If the pesticide is to be applied outdoors, make sure that all doors and windows are closed. Vacate the premises while the pesticide is mixed and applied, and until the pesticide is dry.

Four to six hours is generally recommended, but your pest control operator will recommend the appropriate time based on the specific treatment option used. and kitchen utensils are thoroughly cleaned prior to food preparation, and ventilate the house, by opening all doors and windows, for a few hours on your return.

in advance of any external pesticide treatments

Raise any concerns, such as how the pesticide could affect pregnancy, young children or allergies, with your pest control operator before they start work.

This will give them a chance to discuss pest treatment options with you

A good pest control operator will listen to your concerns and address them by using the most appropriate pest control method.

You can get further information about pesticides from: the pesticide manufacturer. The Department of Health and Human Services, Pest Control Team (Tel. (616) 555-0400, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 12 pm) can help you with: concerns about licence details or people using pesticides without a licence.

The Department of Health and Human Services does not give recommendations for particular companies or operators. – for advice when poisoning or suspected poisoning occurs and poisoning prevention information (24 hours, 7 days) Team. – if the service provided by the pest control operator is different from that which they indicated they would provide Finding a licensed pest control operator Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 The licence authorises the operator to use certain types of pesticides.

This authorisation A person who holds a Pest Control Licence can have up to three different authorisations listed on their licence. You should check the licence to see if they have the appropriate authorisation The three authorisations pesticides in the form of fumigants – primarily for specialised If your pest problem is not covered by the authorisations Reasons to hire a person who holds a Pest Control Licence identify the pest and its habitat determine an appropriate pest management plan apply, handle and store pesticides safely provide information and advice about the pesticides they use Checklist for selecting a pest control operator Talk to neighbours pest control licence status here Check the authorisation Safety precautions when using the services of a pest control operator Make sure food, clothes, toys, toothbrushes, bedding, towels, vegetable gardens, barbeques If the pesticide has been applied indoors, make sure that benchtops It is recommended that you advise your neighbours Finding further information about pesticides your pest control operator questions about the health effects of pesticides Where to get help In an emergency, always call 911 Michigann Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26 Emergency department of your nearest hospital Your doctor Department of Health, Pest Control (616) 555-0400 Licensed pest control operator Worksafe Michigan 1800 136 089 – if you think a pest control job was not performed safely American Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA) (616) 555-0400 – for information on how to manage pests Consumer Affairs Michigan 1300 55 81 81.

Key Points

  • If the appropriate precautions are taken to minimise exposure to pesticides, the risk to health is greatly reduced
  • Relocate pets during treatment and until the pesticide is dry
  • in advance of any external pesticide treatments
  • This will give them a chance to discuss pest treatment options with you
  • – for advice when poisoning or suspected poisoning occurs and poisoning prevention information (24 hours, 7 days) Team