Ready to turn your pest control expertise into a professional career in Texas? 

Securing a pest control license is your first step to starting a pest control business or leveling up your skills in the field.

This comprehensive guide will lead you through every detail — from exploring various license types and meeting state requirements to mastering the renewal process. 

It’s time to get licensed and start exploring the myriad opportunities available to a certified pest control business.

Getting your Texas pest control license

Texas, the second-largest state in the US, also offers one of the highest nationwide employment rates and salaries in the pest control industry.

The state’s diverse climate and ecosystems ensure a consistent demand for pest control services, while its significant agricultural sector and growing urban areas further drive the demand. With such a strong market, obtaining a pest control license in Texas can be a profitable career choice.

To legally apply general pesticides, restricted use pesticides, and state limited-use pesticides in Texas, you must hold a pest control license issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Structural Pest Control Service (SPCS). The Structural Pest Control Applicator license authorizes you to conduct various activities, including:

• Inspecting and controlling common pests
• Managing termites and wood-destroying organisms
• Fumigating structures and commodities
• Providing pest control for lawns and ornamental plants
• Controlling weeds and preserving wood

A Texas pest control license also allows you to advertise, bid, contract, estimate, and report on these services. Whether you’re entering the field or seeking to advance your career, understanding the state’s licensing requirements is essential for success.

Different types of pest control licenses in Texas

Navigating the world of pest control licenses in Texas can be complex, especially because the TDA divides licensing into two main categories: SPCS and Agricultural Pesticide Applicator.

Each offers a range of licenses tailored to various aspects of pest management and the types of pest control services offered. 

Here’s a breakdown of the different license types available. This will help you understand which licenses you and your business need to obtain.

Pesticide applicator license categories

The TDA focuses on agricultural pest control, regulating the use of pesticides and herbicides for crop protection and livestock health. 

This includes:

• Agricultural Commercial Applicator: For individuals applying pesticides on others’ land for compensation
• Agricultural Noncommercial Applicator: For those applying pesticides without being classified as commercial applicators (also referred to as private applicators)
• Agricultural Noncommercial Political Subdivision (NCPS) Applicator: For employees of political subdivisions or federal agencies applying pesticides

These licenses cover a range of applications related to agricultural production, from field crops and pastures to livestock health and forest management. View the full list of relevant use cases on the TDA website.

Structural pest control service license categories

SPCS licenses are geared toward pest control within residential and commercial structures. 

This includes:

• Structural Pest Control Business License: Required for operating a pest control business
• Structural Commercial Certified Applicator License: For employees of pest control businesses providing services for hire
• Structural Noncommercial Certified Applicator License: For individuals performing pest control services for compensation on their employer’s property
• Structural Technician: For those who have completed apprentice training, passed the technician exam, and worked under the supervision of a certified applicator
• Apprentice Registration: For individuals training for a technician license and working under the direct supervision of a licensed technician or applicator

Structural licenses allow you to conduct various services, including inspection, control, and pest prevention in homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses. 

This includes managing pests like bed bugs and termites as well as providing services for lawns and ornamental plants, fumigation, weed control, and wood preservation.

Each license category ensures that professionals have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively handle pest control tasks in their specific areas of work, whether it’s agricultural or structural pest management.

Texas pest control license requirements

To obtain a pest control license in Texas, you need to meet the following requirements, which vary depending on whether you’re pursuing an agricultural or structural pest control license.

Licensing requirements for the TDA

If you’re seeking a license under the TDA, follow these requirements:

• Basic requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, have US citizenship or legal residency, and have no felony convictions related to pesticide misuse or fraud.
• Training and education: You must complete a TDA-approved pesticide applicator training course, which covers pesticide safety and laws regulating their application. These courses are available via community colleges, agricultural extension services, and private training organizations.
• Work experience: Hands-on work experience in the pest control field, under the supervision of a licensed professional, is usually required. The required number of work hours may vary, so check the specific TDA criteria.
• Certification exam: You must pass the TDA certification exam relevant to the specific agricultural pest control category (such as row crops or orchards). The cost to take the certification exam is about $50.
• Application: You’ll then complete and submit the pest control license application form, which is available on the TDA website, and include proof of completion of the required training courses. The application fee for the license varies. As of 2024, the fee is approximately $90 for the initial license.

Licensing requirements for structural pest control services

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees structural pest control licensing. Here are the key requirements for obtaining a structural pest control license:

• Basic requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, have US citizenship or legal residency, and pass a criminal background check.
• Training and education: You must complete a TDLR-approved training course in structural pest control, which covers pest management practices, safety, and legal aspects of pest control in buildings. Various educational institutions and private training companies offer these courses.
• Work experience: You must have at least one year of supervised experience in structural pest control or a combination of education and experience equivalent to this requirement.
• Certification exam: You must pass the TDLR certification exam, which includes questions on pest identification, treatment methods, and state regulations. The exam costs approximately $60.
• Application: You must complete the application form and submit it to TDLR, along with documentation of completed training courses. The application fee is generally around $110.

License renewal requirements

In Texas, both agricultural and structural pest control licenses require periodic renewal to ensure ongoing compliance with state regulations. 

Here’s an updated look at the renewal process, as of 2024, for each type of license. Keep in mind that these requirements may change, and it’s best to check the TDA website directly for the most up-to-date information.

Agricultural pest control license renewal (TDA)

To maintain an agricultural pest control license, it is crucial to adhere to the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) renewal requirements.

• Renewal frequency: Agricultural pest control licenses are typically valid for five years. You must renew your license before it expires to continue practicing legally.
• Continuing education: Licensees must complete 15 hours of continuing education every five years. This education must be relevant to pesticide application and pest control practices, and the TDA must approve all courses.
• Renewal application: You can submit the renewal application through the TDA’s online licensing system or via mail. Make sure to provide any updated contact or business information and include proof of completed continuing education.
• Renewal fee: The renewal license fee is typically around $90. This amount can vary, so check the latest fee schedule on the TDA website.

Structural pest control license renewal (TDLR)

For those with a structural pest control license, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) outlines specific renewal procedures.

• Renewal frequency: Structural pest control licenses are also valid for five years, and you must complete renewal before the license expires.
• Continuing education: Licensees need to complete 16 hours of continuing education every five years. The courses should focus on structural pest control methods, safety, and regulatory updates and must be from TDLR-approved providers.
• Renewal application: You can submit the renewal application online through the TDLR portal or via paper forms. Ensure that all personal and business information is current and include documentation of completed continuing education hours.
• Renewal fee: The renewal fee is approximately $110. Verify the current fee on the TDLR website as it may change.

What happens when my pest control license expires?

If you don’t renew your pest control license on time, it will expire, leading to several consequences, including legal implications and additional fees. Here’s what to expect if that happens:

• Operations cease: You must halt all pest control activities until you renew your license. Operating without a valid license is illegal and can result in penalties or fines.
• Reinstatement: Texas typically offers a grace period during which you can renew an expired license without needing to retake exams. However, this period is limited, and you should confirm the exact duration with the respective licensing authority.
• Late renewal fees: Renewing an expired license may incur additional late fees. These fees are in addition to the regular renewal fees.
• New application submission: If the license remains expired beyond the grace period, you may need to submit a new application, which could include retaking exams and fulfilling all initial licensing requirements.

Can you use a pest control license from other states within Texas?

In short, no. A pest control license from another state isn’t valid for practicing pest control in Texas. 

Each state has its own regulatory requirements and licensing standards for pest control, and Texas does not accept out-of-state licenses for professional practice.

To work legally in Texas, you must obtain a pest control license specific to the state. This involves meeting the TDA’s requirements for agricultural pest control or the TDLR’s standards for structural pest control as outlined above.

If you hold a valid pest control license from another state and wish to operate in Texas, you’ll need to apply for a Texas license, meet the state’s training and education requirements, and pass the necessary exams.

Navigating the maze of pest control licensing in Texas: Your path to success

Whether you’re inspecting and controlling common pests, doing termite control, conducting structural fumigation, or providing specialized lawn care, holding a Texas pest control license opens doors to numerous professional opportunities.

To streamline your operations and ensure compliance with Texas regulations, consider using specialized software designed for the pest control industry. GorillaDesk offers comprehensive solutions to manage scheduling, invoicing, customer communications, and more. This software not only enhances your efficiency but also helps you deliver top-notch service to your clients, making your pest control business stand out in a competitive market.

Ready to take your pest control business to the next level? Start your 14-day free trial with GorillaDesk and experience the benefits of streamlined operations and increased productivity.