BUGCO Pest Control

Key questions include: Are you licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture? What is your TPCL number? What specific treatment do you recommend and why? What products will you use? Do you offer a guarantee or warranty? Are your technicians certified applicators? What preparation is needed on my part?

A standard interior/exterior treatment takes 30–60 minutes for an average-sized home. Termite inspections take 1–2 hours. Full termite treatments may require a full day. Fumigation involves 2–3 days of preparation, treatment, and aeration. Your technician will provide a time estimate based on your property.

Organic methods such as diatomaceous earth, essential oil repellents, and boric acid can be effective for certain pests. However, they often work more slowly and may not be sufficient for severe infestations. Many Texas companies offer green or low-toxicity options that balance effectiveness with environmental responsibility.

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.

The TDA issues licenses with specific category codes: P (General Pest Control), T (Termite Treatment), L (Lawn & Landscape), W (Wildlife Removal), C (Crack & Crevice), S (Structural Fumigation), and D (Waste Disposal). Each category authorizes different types of pest management work.

The most common Texas pests include fire ants, cockroaches (American and German), termites (subterranean and Formosan), mosquitoes, scorpions, spiders (brown recluse and black widow), wasps, rodents, bed bugs, and fleas/ticks. The warm climate and diverse geography create ideal conditions for a wide variety of pests year-round.

Modern eco-friendly methods including botanical insecticides, essential oil repellents, diatomaceous earth, and biological controls can be effective for many common pests. They work best as part of an IPM program that emphasizes prevention and monitoring. For severe infestations, conventional products may be needed initially before transitioning to green maintenance.