Dowell Pest Control

Category P authorizes the company to perform general structural pest control services. This is the most common license category and covers the identification, treatment, and prevention of common household and commercial pests — officially including nuisance animals such as rats, mice, skunks, raccoons, and opossums (4 TAC §7.124(1)).

Why it matters: Category P is the foundation license for most pest control companies. It ensures the company has trained technicians who understand pest biology, proper pesticide application, and safety protocols for treating homes and businesses.

Category T authorizes the company to inspect for, treat, and prevent termite and other wood-destroying insect infestations. This is a specialized license requiring additional training in termite biology, soil treatment, and structural assessment.

Why it matters: Termite treatment requires specialized knowledge of soil chemistry, building construction, and treatment techniques. An incorrect application can fail to protect the structure or cause environmental damage. The T category ensures the company meets TDA standards for termite work.

Category L authorizes the inspection and control of pests and diseases of lawns, ornamental plants, and trees — in parks and around homes, businesses, industrial sites, and streets. It is the outdoor plant-pest category, separate from structural pest control.

Why it matters: Lawn and ornamental pesticide application requires understanding of turf grass species, plant sensitivity, environmental considerations like runoff, and proper timing for effective treatment. The L category ensures the applicator is trained in outdoor-specific pest management. Herbicide weed work is licensed separately under category W.

Category W authorizes the inspection and control of weeds in rights-of-way, around homes, in parks, and in and around structures, business establishments, industrial parks, institutional buildings, streets, and industrial environs. It is the herbicide category — TDA does not issue a wildlife removal license.

Why it matters: Herbicide application requires training in product selection, turf sensitivity, drift management, and environmental protection. The W category ensures the applicator passed the TDA weed control examination. Looking for animal removal? That work is covered by the Pest Control (P) category or is exempt from TDA licensing when done with live traps.

Category S authorizes whole-structure fumigation using gaseous pesticides. This is the most restrictive license category due to the hazardous nature of fumigants and the complexity of the process.

Why it matters: Fumigation involves lethal gases that require specialized training, equipment, and strict safety protocols. Incorrect procedures can endanger lives. The S category requires the highest level of training and oversight, including specific fumigant certifications. Fumigation of grain bins or commodities requires the separate C category.