Texas pest control license lookup: how to check and get a license
Texas pest control license lookup: who issues exterminator licenses (TDA), how to check one online, the license types, and 1,404 exterminating and pest control services by county.
Do exterminators need a license in Texas?
| Who licenses them | Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), Structural Pest Control Service |
|---|---|
| License types | Structural Pest Control Business License (Commercial), Commercial Certified Applicator, Noncommercial Certified Applicator, Technician, Apprentice (registration) |
| When a license is required | Business license required for each location before advertising or doing pest control work |
Commercial pest control businesses need a TDA license per location, a Responsible Certified Applicator, and insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence ($1,000,000 aggregate). TDA publishes current-license reports (downloadable lists) rather than a single search box.
How do you look up an exterminator's license in Texas?
- Ask the exterminator for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Texas pest control license lookup run by TDA.
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the exterminator about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact TDA.
What pest control licenses does Texas issue?
- Structural Pest Control Business License (Commercial)
- Commercial Certified Applicator
- Noncommercial Certified Applicator
- Technician
- Apprentice (registration)
How do you get a pest control license in Texas?
Licenses are issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), Structural Pest Control Service. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official TDA source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Texas city is the job in?
How many exterminators are there in Texas?
The Census Bureau counted 1,404 exterminating and pest control services with employees in Texas in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Harris County | 174 |
|---|---|
| Dallas County | 113 |
| Tarrant County | 107 |
| Bexar County | 79 |
| Collin County | 72 |
| Travis County | 65 |
| Denton County | 55 |
| Fort Bend County | 51 |
What do Texas homes mean for pest control work?
The median home in Texas was built in 1990, 37% of households rent and 67% of homes are single-family houses. 34% of homes heat with utility gas and 61% with electricity.
How do you choose an exterminator in Texas?
- Ask for the business registration and the applicator's state certification number, and check them with the state agency.
- Ask what product they'll use and where, and what you need to do before and after (pets, kids, food, laundry for bed bugs).
- Prefer companies that inspect and seal entry points (integrated pest management) over ones that only spray.
- For bed bugs, ask how many visits are included and whether a follow-up inspection is part of the price.
- Get the guarantee in writing: what happens if the pests come back within 30 or 90 days.
Exterminators & Pest Control in other states
Sources: Texas licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.