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Texas Structural Pest Control Professional Guide

Last updated: 2026-04-08

This guide is written for licensed Texas pest control operators, certified applicators, technicians, and business owners. It covers license types, certification and renewal requirements, how your public record appears on LicenseStatusVerify, and tools available to licensed professionals on this platform.

Quick Checklist

  • [ ] License type matches your credential (Certified Applicator, Technician, Apprentice, or Business License)
  • [ ] License number and business name are correct on your record
  • [ ] License expiration date is current
  • [ ] Continuing education (CEUs) requirements completed for your renewal cycle
  • [ ] Business liability insurance and bond requirements met (if applicable)
  • [ ] Pest control applicator categories match your permitted scope of work (General Pest, Termite, Fumigation, etc.)
  • [ ] No disciplinary actions affecting your license status

License Types

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) issues the following pest control licenses:

**Certified Applicator (Structural Pest Control)** — Individual license to apply pesticides and perform structural pest control services. Holders must pass a category-specific exam. Most common for business owners and lead technicians.

**Technician (Structural Pest Control)** — Individual license for employees who perform pest control services under the supervision of a Certified Applicator. Technicians may apply pesticides in their assigned categories under direct supervision.

**Apprentice** — Entry-level license for individuals learning the trade. Apprentices work under the direct supervision of a Certified Applicator or Technician and have limited independent work authority.

**Commercial Business License** — Business license for for-profit pest control companies. Required if you operate a pest control business that generates income. Must be held by the business owner or a designated Certified Applicator.

**Noncommercial Business License** — Business license for non-profit organizations or government entities that perform pest control services. Subject to the same standards as commercial licenses.

Getting a Certified Applicator License

To become a Certified Applicator in Texas:

1. **Meet eligibility requirements** — Generally, you must be at least 18 years old and have relevant experience (or complete required training hours). 2. **Select your category** — Choose which pest control category or categories you want to be certified in (General Pest Control, Termite, Fumigation, etc.). Each category has its own exam. 3. **Prepare for the exam** — Study TDA exam materials and guidelines. TDA provides study guides and exam schedules. 4. **Pass the TDA exam** — Pass the written exam for your selected category. Passing scores typically range from 70–75%. 5. **Apply for your license** — Submit your application to TDA with proof of exam passage and any required documentation. 6. **Receive your license** — TDA issues your Certified Applicator license once approved.

Most Certified Applicators hold multiple category certifications to expand their service offerings.

Applicator Categories

Texas pest control applicators are certified in specific categories:

  • **General Pest Control** — Common insects (cockroaches, ants, spiders, etc.) and rodents. Broadest category.
  • **Termite Control** — Termite inspection, treatment, and prevention.
  • **Fumigation** — Structural fumigation using gaseous pesticides. High-skill, limited-access category.
  • **Public Health Pest Control** — Mosquitoes, flies, and disease vectors (requires separate certification).
  • **Ornamental and Turf** — Insects and diseases on plants, lawns, and landscaping (limited scope for structural specialists).
  • **Aquatic Pest Control** — Aquatic organisms in bodies of water.

You may hold certifications in multiple categories. Each adds to your credibility and market value.

Technician and Apprentice Pathways

**Technicians** work under the direct supervision of a Certified Applicator and can apply pesticides within their supervisor's categories. Technician licenses are often the entry point to structural pest control employment.

**Apprentices** are entry-level employees learning pest control operations. Apprentices have the most restrictions and must work directly under the supervision of a Certified Applicator or Technician.

Both pathways can lead to Certified Applicator licensing with experience and exam passage.

Continuing Education Requirements

Texas pest control operators must complete continuing education (CEUs) to renew:

  • **Certified Applicators:** Typically 15 CEUs per 2-year renewal cycle. Some CEUs must be in core pest control topics; others may be elective.
  • **Technicians:** Typically 8–12 CEUs per 2-year renewal cycle.
  • **Apprentices:** Requirements vary; check TDA for current standards.

CEUs must be from TDA-approved providers and relevant to your license category. Failure to complete required CEUs before renewal results in license expiration.

Renewal Process Through TDA

To renew your Texas pest control license:

1. **Check your renewal date** — TDA sends renewal notices approximately 60 days before expiration. 2. **Complete continuing education** — All required CEUs must be completed and recorded in the TDA system before renewal. 3. **Submit renewal application** — Log into your TDA account and submit the renewal form online or by mail. 4. **Pay renewal fee** — Submit the required renewal fee (fees vary by license type). 5. **Receive renewed license** — TDA issues your renewed license once approved. Your online record is updated.

**Late renewal** may result in license expiration and additional fees or penalties.

Insurance and Bond Requirements

Pest control businesses must meet TDA requirements for insurance and bonding:

  • **Liability insurance:** Commercial Business licenses must carry general liability insurance (amount varies by business size and TDA requirements).
  • **Bond:** Some business licenses require a performance bond to protect consumers.
  • **Workers' compensation:** Required if you employ staff in Texas.

Insurance and bond requirements protect consumers and are enforced by TDA. Verify your insurance status in your TDA account.

TDA Enforcement and Disciplinary Actions

TDA can suspend or revoke a pest control license for violations:

**Common grounds for disciplinary action:**

  • Applying pesticides without proper licensing or certification
  • Performing work outside your licensed categories
  • Unsafe pesticide handling or application
  • Fraud or misrepresentation of credentials
  • Violation of pesticide safety and environmental regulations
  • Failure to maintain required insurance or bonding
  • Conviction of a felony or crime related to dishonesty
  • Failure to comply with TDA rules and regulations
  • Unsafe work practices or environmental contamination

**Disciplinary process:**

1. A complaint is filed with TDA 2. TDA investigates the complaint 3. If evidence supports the complaint, TDA may issue a warning, citation, or fine 4. For serious violations, TDA may suspend or revoke your license 5. You have the right to appeal through TDA's administrative hearing process

If you receive a disciplinary notice, contact TDA or consult with an attorney about your options.

May 2026 Changes: Lawful Presence and SSN Requirements

Texas Department of Agriculture pest control licensing is coordinated with statewide regulatory standards. Check TDA resources for any May 2026 updates regarding lawful presence verification or SSN requirements. TDA may align with broader Texas licensing standards.

For regulatory updates, monitor [TDA Structural Pest Control page](https://texasagriculture.gov/Regulatory-Programs/Pesticides/Structural-Pest-Control-Service) for official announcements.

How Your Record Appears on LicenseStatusVerify

LicenseStatusVerify displays public license data sourced from TDA. Your public record includes:

  • Your full legal name or business name as it appears on your TDA registration
  • License number
  • License type (Certified Applicator, Technician, Apprentice, or Business)
  • Current status (Active, Expired, Suspended, etc.)
  • Expiration date
  • Licensed categories (for Certified Applicators)
  • County of operation (where available)

This information is public and accessible to consumers and other professionals. Keeping your license active ensures your record reflects your current professional standing and qualifications.

Claim Your Profile

Licensed Texas pest control operators can claim their professional profile on LicenseStatusVerify to add business details, service areas, and contact information. A claimed profile allows customers to contact you directly when they find your public record.

[Explore professional tools →](/professionals)

Official TDA Resources

  • **License search:** [https://texasagriculture.gov/Regulatory-Programs/Pesticides/Structural-Pest-Control-Service/Structural-Pest-Control-Reports-Current-Licenses](https://texasagriculture.gov/Regulatory-Programs/Pesticides/Structural-Pest-Control-Service/Structural-Pest-Control-Reports-Current-Licenses)
  • **Applicant handbook:** [https://www.texasagriculture.gov/](https://www.texasagriculture.gov/)
  • **Continuing education search:** [https://www.texasagriculture.gov/](https://www.texasagriculture.gov/)
  • **File a complaint:** [https://www.texasagriculture.gov/](https://www.texasagriculture.gov/)
  • **Contact TDA Pest Control Division:** (512) 936-9000