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Wildlife & Pest Control Insurance Policy Information

Wildlife & Pest Control Insurance. There is nothing more bothersome than wildlife and pests that pay unwanted visits or take up residence in a home or a business. Not only are they a nuisance, but they can also cause extensive damage and could even cause illnesses or bodily injuries.

Exterminators provide pest control services to commercial, farm, industrial and residential customers. Pests are generally unwanted insects or rodents that present a threat to people, the ecology, or the economy. The exterminator determines the type of pest and the most effective method of control that will cause the least amount of disruption to the customer.

Pests are eradicated by spraying or releasing chemical solutions or toxic fumes, or by placing traps or liquid or pellet poisons in key locations. Monitoring and follow up services are offered as well.

Though wildlife and insects certainly have a place in the world, they do not belong in a home or an organization. Thankfully, you provide a service that helps to remove or eradicate unwanted wildlife and pests. However, despite how truly thankful your clients may be for the services that you provide, there is a chance that they may not be fully satisfied with your work; or worse, there is a chance that the services you offer could result in bodily injury or property damage.

In the event that something goes awry, it is important that you have the proper protection. Commercial general liability insurance provides wildlife and pest control specialists with the coverage that they need to safeguard them from the financial hardships that could arise should someone take legal action against them.

Wildlife & pest control insurance protects your business from lawsuits with rates as low as $47/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked pest control and exterminator insurance questions:

• What Is Wildlife & Pest Control Insurance Insurance?
• How Much Does Wildlife & Pest Control Insurance Cost?
• Why Do Wildlife & Pest Control Businesses Need Insurance?
• What Type Of Insurance Do Wildlife And Pest Control Businesses Need?
• What Does Wildlife And Pest Control Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Exterminator's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure is light at the exterminator's office due to lack of public access. Outdoor storage may create vandalism and attractive nuisance hazards. Off-premises exposures are high due to the application of chemicals and placing of poisons or traps. The exterminator determines the best method of pest control and the correct concentration for eradicating the infestation.

Customers must be given proper instructions regarding the safety of anyone or anything that could be exposed to the poisons while the application is going on, especially children, food, and pets. Temporary evacuation may be required during application. Spills, leaks, overspray and spray residue may damage property. Fumes may irritate eyes and skin, contaminate foodstuffs or other susceptible property, and result in sickness or death if inhaled or ingested by persons or pets.

Traps placed incorrectly or in visible areas may cause injuries, especially to children or pets. Most states require employees to be licensed and certified for the chemicals being applied.

Completed operations may have high exposure to loss due to the potential for health risks or food or water contamination due to improper cleanup, failure to provide required warnings, or lack of adequate follow-up. The insured's use of an inappropriate extermination method may result in disease or property damage if the pest is not eliminated.

Environmental impairment exposure is high as every phase of the contractor's operations may trigger a pollution event: storage, transportation, application, cleanup, and disposal (including disposal of empty containers). The toxic effect may be cumulative or immediate and affect growing crops, water, air, or soil. The insured must comply with all federal, state and municipal requirements. Proper written procedures and documentation of all processes is important.

Workers compensation exposure is very high due to the ongoing application of toxic chemicals. Common injuries include slips and falls during application, minor hand and other injuries while using hand tools, back injury, hernia, sprain and strain from lifting or pulling tanks. Workers can experience lung, eye, or skin irritations and other reactions to the chemicals. Effects may be immediate or cumulative over a long period of time. In some firms, seasonal and casual labor makes training, supervision and safety a challenge. Protective gear should be available and worn by all workers.

Property exposures include an office and storage of equipment and supplies. While pesticides are not theft targets, they are susceptible to temperature changes and should always be stored in the original container with the original label because they may be corrosive or flammable. These should be stored properly in approved containers, cabinets, and rooms, with accurate labeling and separation.

Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty. Background checks, including criminal history, should be performed on all employees handling money. All ordering, billing and disbursement should be handled as separate duties with reconciliations occurring regularly. Annual physical audits should be conducted.

Inland marine exposures come from accounts receivable if the exterminator offers credit to customers, computers, contractors' equipment, goods in transit for chemicals and supplies taken to customers' premises, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information. Equipment may include traps, drills, measuring devices and other hand tools.

Dispensing or spraying equipment may be held by hand, strapped to the worker's back or be in a tank fastened to a vehicle or trailer. The chemical container may be vulnerable to overturn or damage that causes leaking, which also impacts the auto and premises liability exposures.

Business auto exposure is high due to the transport of toxic chemicals, some of which may be applied directly from tanks mounted onto vehicles. Hazards include spillage due to collision or overturn. All drivers must be well trained and have valid licenses for the type of vehicle being driven. MVRs must be run on a regular basis.

Random drug and alcohol testing should be conducted. Vehicles must be well maintained with records kept in a central location. Drivers may need a hazardous materials ("hazmat") endorsement to transport some chemicals used. Hazards increase if the insured lacks spill control procedures and equipment.

What Does Wildlife And Pest Control Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Wildlife and pest control services may be sued for a variety of reasons, including property damage, bodily injury, and environmental damage. Insurance can provide protection for these businesses by covering the costs of legal fees, settlements, and judgments. Here are some examples:

Property damage: Wildlife and pest control services can be sued if they cause damage to a customer's property. For example, if a pest control company uses pesticides that damage a customer's plants or landscaping, the customer may sue for the cost of repairs. Insurance can cover the cost of the lawsuit, including legal fees and settlement or judgment amounts.

Bodily injury: If a customer or employee is injured while wildlife or pest control services are being performed, the business may be sued. For instance, if a customer is bitten by a dog used for pest control or trapped animals are released without proper precautions, the customer may file a lawsuit. Insurance can help cover the cost of the lawsuit, including legal fees and settlement or judgment amounts.

Environmental damage: Wildlife and pest control services may be sued for environmental damage caused by their operations. For example, if a pest control company uses pesticides that contaminate groundwater or cause harm to non-target species, the company may be held liable. Insurance can cover the cost of the lawsuit, including legal fees and settlement or judgment amounts.

In each of these examples, insurance can help wildlife and pest control services pay for the costs of a lawsuit, including legal fees, settlements, and judgments. Without insurance, these businesses may be forced to pay for these costs out of pocket, which could be financially devastating.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 7342 Disinfecting and Pest Control Services
• NAICS CODE: 561710 Exterminating and Pest Control Services
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 9014 Janitorial Services by Contractors - No Window Cleaning Above Ground Level & Drivers, 4828 Chemical Blending or Mixing NOC - All Operations & Drivers

7342: Disinfecting and Pest Control Services

Division I: Services | Major Group 73: Business Services | Industry Group 734: Services To Dwellings And Other Buildings

7342 Disinfecting and Pest Control Services: Establishments primarily engaged in disinfecting dwellings and other buildings, and in termite, insect, rodent, and other pest control, generally in dwellings or other buildings. Establishments primarily engaged in pest control for lawns or agricultural production are classified in Division A, Agriculture.

• Bird proofing
• Deodorant servicing of rest rooms
• Disinfecting service
• Exterminating service
• Fumigating service
• Pest control in structures
• Rest room cleaning service
• Termite control
• Washroom sanitation service

Wildlife And Pest Control Insurance - The Bottom Line

Due to the serious financial issues that may arise as a result of the risks that are associated with operating a wildlife and pest control company, having a wildlife & pest control insurance policy is absolutely vital.

Additional Resources For Contractors & Home Improvement Insurance

Learn about small business contractor's insurance, including what it covers, how much it costs - and how commercial insurance can help protect your contracting business from lawsuits.

• Air Conditioning Systems Installation Repair
• Appliance Repair & Service
• Blacksmith & Metal Workers
• Boat Repair & Dry Docks
• Boiler Contractors
• Builders Risk
• Building Cleaning & Maintenance Services
• Cabinet Installer
• Cable And Satellite TV Installer
• Carpentry
• Chimney Sweep
• Cistern Contractors
• Contractor Liability
• Curtain Cleaners
• Deck Builders
• Door And Window Installers
• Dryer Vent Cleaning
• Drywall Contractor
• Electrical Contractors
• Environmental Remediation Contractors
• Fence Installation
• Fire Sprinkler Contractors
• Fire & Water Restoration Contractors
• Flooring Contractor
• Furniture Repair
• Garage Door Installer And Repair
• General Contractors
• Glass Contractor
• Glazier Insurance
• Gutter Installation And Repair
• Handyman
• House Cleaning
• HVAC Contractor
• Insulation Contractor
• Janitorial Cleaning Services
• Landscaping
• Lawn Care
• Lawn Irrigation Sprinkler System Installation
• Locksmith
• Oil And Gas Well Drilling Contractors
• Painters
• Paperhanging Contractors
• Plastering And Stucco Contractor
• Plumbing
• Pressure Washing Contractors
• Propane And Fuel Dealers
• Rug, Upholstery & Carpet Cleaning
• Sandblasting Contractors
• Security Alarm
• Septic Tank Cleaning
• Siding Contractor
• Sign Installation & Repair
• Solar Panel Installers
• Snow Plow
• Stone And Tile Installer
• Subcontractor
• Surety Bonds
• Swimming Pool Contractor
• Swimming Pool Service And Maintenance
• Tank Cleaners
• Tool Grinding And Repair
• Tree Surgeon
• Tree Trimming
• Upholstery Shop
• Waste Haulers & Garbage Collection
• Water Well Drilling
• Welding Contractor
• Wildlife & Pest Control
• Window Cleaning
• Specialty Contractors

The contracting industry is a field that involves a lot of risks, both for the contractor and for the clients they work for. This is why commercial insurance is so important for contractors. Insurance can protect contractors from a variety of potential losses, such as:

Liability: If a contractor causes damage to a client's property or if a client is injured while on a job site, the contractor could be held legally responsible. Liability insurance can cover legal fees and any settlements or judgments that may be awarded.

Property damage: Contractors often use a lot of expensive equipment and tools, and there is always a risk that this equipment could be damaged or stolen. Commercial property insurance can help cover the cost of replacing damaged or stolen equipment.

Business interruption: If a contractor is unable to work due to an unforeseen event, such as a natural disaster, insurance can help cover their lost income during this time.

Workers compensation: If a contractor or one of their employees is injured on the job, worker's comp can help cover medical expenses and lost wages.

Overall, commercial insurance is an important risk management tool for contractors. It can provide financial protection against a wide range of potential losses, helping contractors to stay in business and continue serving their clients.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Employee Dishonesty, Contractors' Equipment and Tools, General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Umbrella Liability, Automobile Liability and Physical Damage, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Business Income with Extra Expense, Earthquake, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Accounts Receivable, Builders Risk, Computers, Goods in Transit, Installation Floater, Valuable Papers and Records, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practicesand Stop Gap Liability.