What is a California Structural Pest Control Board Pest Control Company Registration Bond?
In California, pest control businesses must obtain a Pest Control Company Registration Bond as part of the application process when registering with the Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) of the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
A surety bond is a contractual agreement between three parties; the principal, the obligee, and the surety company that writes the bond. The principal is the pest control company, and the obligee is the entity that requires the bond (the SPCB).
The bond ensures that pest control businesses adhere to the laws and regulations of the state and their license. If a person who entered into a contract with the pest control company suffers injury due to that company’s actions, the injured party can file a claim against the company’s surety bond. The surety company will investigate the claim and (if the claim is valid) compensate the injured party for damages up to the bond amount. The principal is financially obligated to reimburse the surety for any claims paid out, plus additional fees and expenses incurred.
Though it is a licensing/registration requirement, having a surety bond also helps establish a company as reliable and trustworthy. For more information on surety bonds, read our comprehensive guide here.
Who has to get this bond?
Pest control businesses that wish to operate in California are required to obtain the $12,500 Pest Control Company Registration Bond to be licensed, as formally mandated by the Structural Pest Control Act, Business and Professions Code, Section 8697.
In addition to the bonding requirement, starting a pest control company requires you to:
- Be licensed (or in the process of getting your license) by the Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) as an Operator,
- Submit a Request for Approval of Registered Company form to the SPCB, and
- Complete the company registration application, along with bonding and insurance forms.
How much does this bond cost?
The California Pest Control Company Registration Bond has a required bond amount of $12,500. Fortunately, this amount is not how much you’ll pay for your bond.
While many bonds typically require a credit check, the California Pest Control Bond does not. With EZ Surety Bonds, you can purchase this bond instantly online for as low as $125. Simply fill out the application on this page.
Please note that those who have had their license suspended or revoked will be required to provide an additional surety bond with a minimum bond amount of $1,000, not to exceed $25,000, as determined by the severity of the violation. The cost of this additional bond will vary based on the bond amount needed.
Obligee information
The obligee or entity that requires you to get the California Pest Control Company Registration Bond is the Structural Pest Control Board. Their contact information is below:
State of California
Structural Pest Control Board
2005 Evergreen Street, Ste. 1500
Sacramento, CA 95815
Call: (916) 561-8704
Fax: (916) 263-2469
Email: pestboard@dca.ca.gov
How to get your California Pest Control Company Registration Bond
At EZ Surety Bonds, you can purchase your bond online instantly. Simply fill out the short application for a Pest Control Company Registration Bond. And if you have any questions, contact our surety experts at info@ezsuretybonds.com or 1-866-546-4605. We’re happy to help!
Frequently asked questions
How to become a Registered Pest Control Company in California
Below are the steps to becoming a registered pest control company in California.
- Obtain (or be in the process of obtaining) an Operator license from the Structural Pest Control Board. For a registered company to operate, it must have a Qualifying Manager. To qualify as a Qualifying Manager, you must be a licensed Operator.
- Submit the Request for Approval of Registered Company form, additional required forms (e.g., insurance forms), and the $120 application fee (as of 2022) to the Board. Registering companies must maintain a general liability policy of at least $500,000 and a surety bond in the amount of $12,500.
- The Board will review the entire application once it has been received and will grant the company a principal registration (PR) number once the forms are considered complete.
You can find an in-depth guide on the pest control company registration process and its licensing requirements here.
How much is a Pest Control Company Registration Bond in California?
Pest control businesses in California must post a surety bond of $12,500. You can purchase your bond instantly with EZ Surety Bonds for as little as $125. Fill out the short application on our site to get your bond now.
What do I do after I purchase my bond?
Once you’ve purchased your Pest Control Company Registration Bond on our website, we will mail you the original document. You will want to file your bond with the obligee. In most cases, you may have to file the original bond with the obligee by mailing it in. However, every obligee has their own set of filing requirements. Always verify the filing requirements of your bond’s obligee before doing anything with your bond.
