Workers' Compensation Insurance for Pest Control Businesses: A Complete Guide
Workers' compensation insurance for pest control businesses and exterminators protects you and your team from injuries that may occur while working. Understanding and applying the correct workers' comp class code helps ensure that your pest control operation is adequately covered while keeping your premiums reasonable.
What are Class Codes and why do they matter?
Class codes are four-digit numbers that are used to reference important details about specific job roles. These codes are assigned by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), which uses injury data to calculate risk levels for each class code. This helps insurance companies set workers' comp rates for pest control businesses.
Class codes for workers' compensation insurance for pest control businesses ensure that your pest control operation is appropriately covered and helps keep your premiums reasonable.
How are class codes determined for pest control businesses?
Class codes for pest control businesses are assigned based on injury data from each state. The NCCI tracks injuries related to tasks like handling chemicals, using heavy equipment, and working in outdoor or confined spaces.
Pest control businesses, including exterminators and termite control workers, face risks from exposure to chemicals and physical strain. If injury rates rise in a state, the risk rating increases, leading to higher premiums.
Safety measures, like proper training and protective equipment, can help lower the risk and reduce premiums. The NCCI reviews and updates these rates annually based on state-specific injury trends.
Common Class Code for Pest Control Businesses
Class Code 9014
Class Code 9014 applies to pest control businesses, including exterminators and pest management services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. This code covers a wide range of pest control activities such as termite treatment, rodent control, and other pest prevention services. It includes the use of chemical treatments and physical methods to manage infestations.
Class Code 4828
For pest control businesses involved in fumigation or using toxic gases, this class code may apply. It reflects the higher risk associated with fumigating structures to control pests, such as termites, and typically carries a higher premium due to the more dangerous nature of these activities.
State-Specific Class Codes for Pest Control Businesses
Here are some examples of state-specific class codes for pest control businesses:
Class Code 0971 - Pennsylvania and Delaware
In Pennsylvania and Delaware, pest control businesses are classified under Class Code 0971. This includes extermination and pest removal services, such as termite control.
Class Code 4519 - Texas
In Texas, pest control businesses, including extermination services, are classified under Class Code 4519, which covers all pest removal and control services.
Non-Industry Class Codes for Pest Control
In pest control businesses, roles like office staff or customer service can be classified under Class Code 8810. This non-industry code is designed for positions with minimal physical risk, helping businesses lower their workers' compensation premiums.
It’s important to note that fieldwork, such as extermination services, requires different, industry-specific codes.
How do Pest Control Class Codes affect insurance rates?
Class codes are used to determine workers' comp premiums based on the risk associated with specific jobs. Jobs with higher risks result in higher premiums.
For pest control businesses, the average cost for workers' comp insurance is $2.43 per $100 of payroll. Pest control involves exposure to chemicals, handling pests, and physical labor, which increases the risk.
Rates from selected states are shown in the chart below.
Pest Control (Class Code 9014) Rates per State – 2025
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These are the starting rates, but your actual premium will depend on the specific risks associated with your pest control operation.
Insurance companies adjust your premiums using an experience modifier (ExMod), which reflects your claims history.
If your ExMod is 0.95, you’ll pay less than the average for similar businesses. If your ExMod is above 1, your premiums will be higher due to previous claims.
Reducing workplace injuries and focusing on safety will help keep your ExMod low and reduce premiums.
Want to know how these rates affect your pest control business’s costs? Check out our Guide to Workers' Compensation Insurance for Pest Control Cost for more details.
Managing Risk with a strong Safety Program
Pest control businesses, including exterminators, face risks related to chemicals, wildlife, and the job's physical demands. Implementing a strong safety program helps to protect employees and reduce insurance premiums.
Tips for reducing common injuries in Pest Control Businesses:
- Chemical Safety: Train employees on the safe use of pesticides, and ensure they use protective gear, like gloves, masks, and goggles, when applying chemicals.
- Ladder Safety: Since pest control work often involves working at heights, ensure staff are trained in ladder safety and fall prevention techniques.
- Wildlife Handling: Provide proper equipment and training for dealing with wildlife safely to avoid injury from animals like raccoons or bats.
Find the right Workers’ Comp for your Business
Looking for the right workers' comp coverage for your pest control business? Start an instant quote now or call 886-338-8823 to discuss your options with an expert. We specialize in providing workers' comp for pest control businesses and can help you find the best coverage.
Note: The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal or insurance advice. Laws and regulations regarding workers' compensation insurance are complex and vary by state and by specific circumstances. Therefore, readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified legal or insurance professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem they might have.
Mordechai Kamenetsky, co-founder and lead agent of Kickstand, is recognized as an expert in workers' compensation. He is passionate about helping small businesses manage risks and lower their workers' comp costs. In his articles, he educates readers and clients on the intricacies of workers' comp insurance.
Many businesses pay more than they should for workers’ compensation insurance—and they don’t even know it. By correctly classifying employees and using payroll splitting, you can potentially save thousands on your premiums, just like this North Carolina pest control and interior remodeling company did with the help of Kickstand Insurance.
