Autry Andress Pest Control

Not necessarily. Many Texas pest control companies offer both one-time treatments and ongoing service plans. Contracts with quarterly or monthly service often include re-treatment guarantees and lower per-visit costs. Review cancellation terms and satisfaction guarantees before signing.

In Texas, pest control is important year-round due to the warm climate. Spring and early summer see increased activity from ants, termites, mosquitoes, and wasps. Fall brings rodents seeking shelter indoors. Winter is ideal for preventive treatments and termite inspections when pest pressure is lowest.

Common signs include droppings, gnaw marks, damaged wood, shed wings near windows, unusual odors, live or dead insects, nests or webs in corners, and scratching sounds in walls or attic. If you spot any of these, a professional inspection can identify the pest species and the extent of the problem.

An inactive license means the company has not renewed their TPCL with the Texas Department of Agriculture. This could be due to business closure, failure to meet insurance requirements, or voluntary non-renewal. Companies with inactive licenses cannot legally perform pest control services in Texas.

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.

Texas mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus, Zika virus, dengue fever, and chikungunya. West Nile is the most common mosquito-borne illness in Texas, with cases reported annually. Standing water elimination and professional mosquito treatments are the most effective prevention methods.

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.