ATLANTA, GA – This month, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is proud to celebrate National Pest Management Month while also marking a significant milestone— the 70th anniversary of its Structural Pest Division. Since its inception in 1955, the division has been instrumental in regulating the pest management industry in Georgia, which today supports over 14,000 jobs and generates a $2 billion economic impact. In 2024 alone, the Division conducted more than 1,400 inspections and licensed over 12,000 pest management professionals, underscoring its ongoing commitment to public health and industry excellence.
“Protecting consumers and ensuring the safety of our communities is at the heart of the GDA’s mission,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “The work our Structural Pest Division does every day is critical to ensuring that licensed pest management operators continue to meet the highest safety standards when serving you and your family.”
The Structural Pest Division’s core mission is to protect Georgia consumers through the oversight of licensing and regulation in the pest management industry. It ensures that all licensed operators, from pest control sellers to pesticide applicators, maintain the necessary competency and safety standards. The program focuses on two primary functions: licensing and certification, ensuring operators are skilled and knowledgeable, and compliance and enforcement, holding operators accountable to industry regulations. If operators fall short, consumers can reach out to the division for assistance.
To provide a closer look at the vital work the Division performs, we partnered with UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences and NPD Products last year for a training session at Sapelo Island. This video highlights this partnership and demonstrates the ongoing efforts to safeguard Georgians.
The Structural Pest Division ensures pest management practices are carried out responsibly, adhering to state and federal guidelines. Anyone providing pest management services must hold a valid license. For information on licensed pest management companies, or to file a complaint or report an incident related to pest management or pesticide application, please visit https://agr.georgia.gov/structural-pest-control.
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