- Two years of experience applying pesticides, or 20 college credit hours in biological or agricultural sciences plus one year. Termite work needs one more year of specific experience and four hours of approved training.
- Plan for a trade exam.
- A surety bond can be used instead of a liability policy to show financial responsibility.
Do you need a state license in New Mexico?
New Mexico licenses pest control work at the state level through the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Compliance. Below is what the board asks for, in the order you will run into it.
The New Mexico license for this work
There is one license to aim for here.
| License | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Category 7D, Wood-Destroying Pest Control | Termites and other wood destroying organisms, including inspections |
Steps to get licensed in New Mexico
- Fill out the Commercial Applicator application form.
- Document your experience or education.
- Pass the National Core exam and at least one category exam.
- Show proof of financial responsibility and pay the $100 license fee, all within 60 days.
Experience and other requirements
Experience. Two years of experience applying pesticides, or 20 college credit hours in biological or agricultural sciences plus one year. Termite work needs one more year of specific experience and four hours of approved training.
The license to apply for. Commercial Applicator license.
New Mexico pest control exams
Trade exam. The National Core exam, which also covers New Mexico laws and rules, and at least one pest control category exam.
Business and law exam. The official pages we read do not say. Check with the board (official site).
What it costs in New Mexico
The board lists 2 fees along the way. These are the state's own numbers. Insurance, any bond, exam prep and your business registration come on top.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Commercial Applicator license | $100 |
| Exam given by department staff, each | $20 |
Insurance and bond
Insurance. Liability insurance or a surety bond of at least $25,000 each aggregate for bodily injury and property damage on ground applications.
Bond. A surety bond can be used instead of a liability policy to show financial responsibility.
Renewal and licenses from other states
Renewal. The official pages we read do not say. Check with the board (official site).
Reciprocity. License holders in other states may have some certifications recognized and may only need to pass the New Mexico laws test.
Good to know in New Mexico
- Anyone who inspects for termites and other wood destroying organisms must be licensed and certified in Category 7D.
After you are licensed
The license lets you take the work. Getting the work is the next job.
- Register the business. If you work under a name other than your own, register it where your state asks (often the Secretary of State, sometimes the county), and keep the name the same on your license, your truck and your invoices.
- Claim your Google Business Profile. It is the listing people see when they search for pest control near them. Fill in your service area, hours and real photos of your work.
- Put up a website that shows the license. Customers look for it before they call. Koira builds a contractor website for you and keeps it current.
- See where you stand. The free Koira report checks how your business shows up in search and on maps against shops near you.
Where this comes from
Every fact on this page comes from the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Compliance and the official pages below, checked October 9, 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the board before you file.
More for your trade: how pest control companies run on Koira.