Pest control in Lexington is regulated by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control program under KRS Chapter 217B and 302 KAR Chapter 29. Commercial pest control operators must be licensed, and pesticides must be applied by certified applicators. The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department enforces rat, mouse, mosquito, and other pest issues that create public health hazards. Landlords have a duty under Kentucky URLTA (KRS 383.595) to provide pest-free rental housing in cities that have adopted URLTA, including Lexington.
Structural pest control services in Kentucky require licensure by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Division of Environmental Services, Structural Pest Control Program under KRS 217B.530 and 302 KAR Chapter 29. Operators must pass examinations for each category (general pest, termite, fumigation, etc.), carry required insurance, and maintain pesticide application records. Pesticides are regulated by both federal law (EPA registration under FIFRA) and Kentucky state pesticide law (KRS Chapter 217B). Unlicensed commercial pest control is prohibited, though homeowners may treat their own property with consumer products labeled for over-the-counter residential use. The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department enforces Chapter 15 of the Code of Ordinances on sanitation and public health nuisances, including rat harborage, standing water attracting mosquitoes, and conditions conducive to pest infestation. Property owners can be cited for accumulated trash, unmaintained vegetation, or structural conditions that harbor rodents. Lexington has adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) at KRS 383.505 through 383.715, which obligates landlords to maintain rental properties in a fit and habitable condition — this includes control of infestations not caused by tenant behavior. Tenants can use URLTA remedies (repair and deduct, rent withholding with court approval, or termination) if landlords fail to address pest issues. Bedbug infestations have prompted specific disclosure and treatment standards in some Lexington rental agreements though there is no specific state bedbug statute. Termite inspections are commonly required for real estate transactions via the Kentucky WDIR (Wood Destroying Insect Report) form completed by licensed inspectors. Mosquito control in Lexington is handled by LFUCG Environmental Services, which treats standing water and sprays for public health threats like West Nile virus.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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