Pest Control Licensing in Brisbane
Pest control is serious business. Whether you’re looking to become a pest technician or simply curious about the rules, this guide breaks it all down, without the confusion. Let’s take a look at who needs a licence, how to get one, and what happens if you break the rules in Queensland.
Pest Management Licensing Overview
In Queensland, pest control is regulated by:
Queensland Department of Health – covers pest management activities in homes and businesses.
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Forestry – issues licences for agricultural and herbicide use.
Licences are required for any pest control work involving chemicals, fumigation activity, or termite management. Trainees can work under supervision, but no separate licence is issued to them.
Apply or learn more at Queensland Health.
Types of Pest Control Licences in Brisbane
1. Pest Management Technician Licence
This is the standard licence needed for general pest control (e.g., cockroaches, rodents, ants, timber pests).
Eligibility
Be 17 or older
Pass a police check
Be medically fit
Hold a relevant pest control qualification
Required Training
You’ll need to complete units from the CPP30119 – Certificate III in Urban Pest Management:
CPPUPM3008 – Inspect and report on pest activity
CPPUPM3010 – Control general pests
CPPUPM3018 – Maintain equipment and pesticide storage area
Application Process
Complete training
Gather documents (ID, certificate, medical)
Submit application form online or by mail
Pay the processing fee
Licence Conditions
Only perform tasks listed in your licence
Keep records of treatments
Display when requested
Valid for 3 years before renewal
Penalties for Breaches
Fines or penalties
Suspension or cancellation
Permanent ban for repeated offences
2. Termite Management Licence
This is for anyone installing or inspecting termite barriers (chemical or physical).
Eligibility
A person must be licensed as a pest technician first
Complete termite-specific training
Must hold insurance for professional indemnity
Training
Additional units from Certificate III or IV courses in termite management:
Chemical termite treatment
Physical termite systems
Termite inspections and reporting
Application Steps
Applicant should apply through QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission)
Provide proof of training and insurance
Conditions
Can only carry out pre-construction or inspection work listed
Must follow Australian Standards (AS 3660.1/2) and code of practice
Report findings clearly to clients
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Loss of licence
Fines
Possible legal action for faulty work or misreporting
3. Fumigation Licence
For specialists who use fumigants in enclosed spaces such as warehouses, shipping containers.
Eligibility
Must be 18+
Pass medical and police checks
Hold a fumigation competency certificate
Training
Must complete accredited units through an RTO:
CPPUPM4001 – Prepare and fumigate a site
CPPUPM4002 – Manage fumigation risk
Declaration of Assessment must be provided to confirm competence.
How To Apply
Submit training permit and declaration
Apply via Queensland Health
Licence issued after approval
Conditions
Use only registered fumigants
Follow all safety and ventilation rules
Monitor and report gas levels
Disciplinary Action
Immediate suspension for safety breaches
Prosecution for serious incidents
4. Commercial Operators Licence (Herbicide Use)
This is for anyone applying herbicides commercially using ground or aerial equipment.
Eligibility
Work in or supervise declared pest areas
Complete chemical safety training
About the Author: Ryan Mead
Ryan Mead is a dedicated pest control specialist, renowned for his extensive knowledge and experience in the pest management industry.Comments are closed.
