How to check a fumigator is licensed and uses approved chemicals

Hiring an unlicensed fumigator or one using unregistered chemicals is a false economy. You're exposing your home, family and pets to substances that may be ineffective, toxic or both—and you have no recourse if something goes wrong. The temptation to accept the first WhatsApp quote is real, especially when you're dealing with an urgent infestation, but a few quick checks upfront protect you far better than regret later.

The good news: verifying a fumigator's credentials is straightforward. It takes phone calls and a bit of patience, but you'll know exactly who you're inviting into your home and what they're spraying.

Check their licence number and ask the regulator

Start by asking the fumigator for their licence number. In South Africa, fumigators must be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (or its provincial equivalent, depending on your province). Request this number in writing—via WhatsApp or email—before you book. Do not accept vague assurances that they're "fully licensed" or "legal." A real licensed fumigator will provide the number without hesitation.

Once you have the number, contact your provincial Department of Agriculture directly or visit their website to confirm the licence is active and current. This is a public register, and they will tell you whether that fumigator is legitimate. If the department has no record of the number, walk away. If the fumigator refuses to provide a licence number, that is your answer.

Verify chemical registration with the appropriate authority

Fumigators must use only chemicals registered with the relevant South African regulator. The specific authority depends on the type of chemical, but pesticides for household use are typically registered with the Department of Agriculture. Ask the fumigator which specific products they will use on your property—get brand names, not just vague descriptions like "standard treatment." Request the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each product before they arrive.

You can cross-check those product names against the department's register of approved pesticides. If a fumigator is using unregistered or imported chemicals without proper approval, they are breaking the law and putting your household at risk. Approved chemicals have been tested; unregistered ones have not.

Call and quiz their references

Ask for the names and contact details of at least three recent clients—ideally from your suburb or a similar property type. Call them. Ask not just whether they were satisfied, but specifically: Did the fumigator show their credentials? Did they explain what chemicals they were using? Were there any issues with pets or children during or after treatment? Would they use the same fumigator again? References who hesitate or can't answer these questions are a red flag.

Also ask whether the fumigator provided a written report after treatment—a licensed fumigator should document what was done, where, and what product was used. This record matters if you need to lodge a complaint later or if a family member develops an unexpected reaction.

Request proof of insurance and ask about guarantees

A licensed fumigator should carry public liability insurance. Ask to see proof. This protects you if something goes wrong during or immediately after treatment—accidental damage to your property, a chemical reaction, or a neighbour's complaint. If they have no insurance and an accident occurs, you are personally liable.

Also clarify their guarantee. A legitimate fumigator will offer a defined warranty (for example, "we guarantee this treatment for 30 days") and will explain the conditions—what you need to do to honour the warranty, and what you'll pay if they return to re-treat. Vague promises of results or no clear terms should make you nervous.

Take these steps before you book, not after. Strove lets you compare verified fumigators in your area, read their credentials and customer feedback all in one place—which removes a lot of the legwork. But whether you use a marketplace or find a fumigator through word-of-mouth, run these checks yourself. A fumigator who is licensed and transparent will welcome your questions.