Launch a London Exterminating and Pest Control Services Business Today
This page shows you how to start an exterminating and pest control services business in London. It turns NAICS 561710 into a clear, practical plan—from company setup to meeting the key regulatory steps. You’ll get a straightforward overview of the 11 requirements, essential permits, and what it costs to get up and running.
What you’ll learn includes the 11 requirements you’ll need to meet, the permits and licenses that apply in London, and practical tips on insurance, pesticide certification, and safe handling. We cover costs you should plan for—registration, basic equipment, insurance, and ongoing compliance—plus a realistic timeline from first steps to a fully operational business.
Why London works well? This city blends a steady demand for home and business pest control with a supportive small‑business ecosystem, easy access to suppliers, and a growing service market in southwestern Ontario. If you’re aiming for a practical, compliant launch under NAICS 561710, this page lays out the path clearly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a pest control service in London is the Pesticide Exterminator License. This license is legally required to apply pesticides and run pest-control activities, and you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable and forms the foundation of your business.
Mandatory operational requirements include health and safety and licensing to protect workers and customers. You must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and maintain safe work practices. You’ll also need Service Provider Workplace Safety Compliance and Employment Standards Compliance to meet how you treat staff and manage safety on the job. In addition, obtain the necessary permits and protection you need to operate, such as a valid Business Licence, and carry Commercial General Liability Insurance. You may also need WSIB Registration and Coverage to protect workers in case of workplace injuries. Keeping these items up to date helps you run a trusted, compliant operation.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll need to set up a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency and register your business name with ServiceOntario (Ontario Business Name Registration). If your annual revenue will exceed the GST/HST threshold, register for GST/HST. If you employ people, set up Payroll Deductions Registration and withhold the required amounts. Having these registrations in place keeps your finances and regulatory reporting in order.
Next steps: start by securing the Pesticide Exterminator License, then line up OHSA training and safety programs, and confirm licensing needs for your location. Simultaneously, open your BN, register your business name, and arrange GST/HST and payroll registrations if applicable. With a clear compliance plan and the right registrations in place, you’ll be well on your way to launching a responsible, lawful pest control business in London. If in doubt, consult a local regulatory advisor to tailor these steps to your
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a exterminating and pest control services in London:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of London. Apply to City of London for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of London Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Pesticide Exterminator License RequiredPest control operators using pesticides must be licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Environment. Includes requirements for proper training, equipment, application records, and pesticide storage. Apply to MECP after passing certification exam (75% pass mark on both parts). Fee: $90 for 5 years. Complete ministry-approved home study course. Must be 16+ years old. Apply online within 1 year of passing exam. 3 license types based on extermination type. Technicians can work under supervision. Contact: Ontario Pesticide Training 1-888-620-9999.
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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Commercial General Liability Insurance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Wholesalers should maintain commercial general liability insurance covering product liability, premises liability, and completed operations. Often required by commercial leases and customer contracts. Ontario law requires general liability insurance for most businesses. Minimum typically $1M for small business, $2M+ for higher risk. Covers bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, advertising injury. WSIB also required for employees. Landlords, lenders may set higher requirements. Additional options: D&O, E&O, Cyber Liability. Cost: $500/yr to millions depending on risk. Contact insurance broker.
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Service Provider Workplace Safety Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Service providers working at client sites must comply with OH&S Act requirements including training, PPE, safe work procedures, and coordination with client health and safety programs. OHSA applies to all Ontario workplaces. Service providers: H&S awareness training mandatory. JHSC for 20+ workers, Safety Rep for 6-19. Bill 190 (Oct 2024): electronic posting, telework coverage, virtual JHSC. Supervisor competency. Violence and harassment policies required. WSIB coverage. Contact MLTSD: 1-877-202-0008.
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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your exterminating and pest control services:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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