ABC Home & Commercial Services

Licensed pest control companies in Texas use EPA-registered products applied according to label directions, which are safe when used properly. Most treatments require 2–4 hours of drying time before re-entry. Ask your technician about specific precautions for your household, especially for infants, pregnant women, and pets.

Reputable companies typically offer a satisfaction guarantee with free re-treatments between scheduled visits if pests return. Termite treatments often come with 1–5 year warranties, sometimes renewable annually. Always get guarantees in writing and understand what specific pests and conditions are covered.

Most pest control companies offer re-treatment guarantees — if pests return between scheduled visits, they will re-treat at no additional charge. This is standard with ongoing service plans. For one-time treatments, ask about the warranty period. Persistent issues may indicate entry points that need sealing or environmental factors that need addressing.

TPCL stands for Texas Pest Control License, issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). It is required for any business performing structural pest control in Texas. The license must be renewed annually and requires proof of insurance, a certified applicator on staff, and compliance with TDA regulations.

A certified applicator is an individual who has passed the TDA examination demonstrating knowledge of pest identification, pesticide safety, application techniques, and state regulations. Texas law requires every pest control business to designate a certified applicator who supervises all pest management activities performed by the company.

General pest control (Category P) covers common household pests including cockroaches, ants, spiders, silverfish, earwigs, crickets, centipedes, and occasional invaders. Some companies include mosquito and flea treatments in their general service, while others offer these as add-ons.

Texas has three main termite types: Eastern subterranean termites (most common, found statewide), Formosan subterranean termites (aggressive species in Southeast Texas and coastal areas), and drywood termites (found in attics and furniture, mainly in South and Coastal Texas). Each requires different treatment approaches.

Lawn pest control (Category L) covers treatment of outdoor pests including fire ants, grubs, chinch bugs, sod webworms, armyworms, and other turf-damaging insects. It may also include mosquito yard treatments, flea and tick yard applications, and treatment for landscape-damaging pests.

Costs vary by species and complexity. Basic raccoon or opossum removal runs $200–$500. Bat exclusion for an entire home ranges from $500–$2,500. Comprehensive services including trapping, exclusion, and damage repair can cost $1,000–$5,000. Get a written estimate after the initial inspection.

Texas has two medically significant spider species: the brown recluse (found statewide, especially in Central Texas) and the black widow (found throughout the state). Brown recluse bites can cause tissue necrosis, while black widow bites can cause muscle pain and systemic symptoms. Most other Texas spiders are harmless.

Texas pest control is regulated by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) under the Texas Structural Pest Control Act. All pest control businesses must hold a TPCL license, employ a certified applicator, maintain insurance, and follow specific rules for pesticide application, record keeping, and consumer protection.

Heat treatment involves raising the temperature of an infested area to 130–145°F using industrial heaters. It is the most effective treatment for bed bugs and can also treat drywood termites in localized areas. The high temperature kills all life stages including eggs. No chemicals are used, and rooms can typically be re-occupied the same day.