Killum Pest Control

Before your appointment, clear counters, move furniture slightly away from walls, secure food and pet dishes, cover fish tanks, and ensure the technician can access areas like garages, attics, and crawl spaces. Your provider will give specific preparation instructions based on the treatment type.

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.

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.

Yes. Complaints against licensed pest control companies can be filed with the Texas Department of Agriculture. You can report unlicensed operators, unsafe practices, or unsatisfactory service. The TDA investigates complaints and can take enforcement action including fines and license suspension.

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.

Most Texas lawns benefit from quarterly pest applications timed to seasonal pest activity: spring (fire ants, grubs), summer (chinch bugs, mosquitoes), fall (armyworms, fire ants), and winter (pre-emergent applications). Properties with persistent fire ant problems may need more frequent treatment.

Remove all people, pets, and plants from the structure. Bag or remove all food, medicine, and consumables. Turn off pilot lights and gas appliances. Arrange alternative accommodations for 2–3 nights. Your fumigation company will provide a detailed preparation checklist specific to the fumigant being used.

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.

The striped bark scorpion is the most common species in Texas. Its sting is painful (similar to a bee sting) but rarely medically significant for healthy adults. Children, elderly individuals, and those with allergies may have stronger reactions. If stung, apply ice and monitor for unusual symptoms. Seek medical attention for severe reactions.

Texas faces unique challenges including Formosan termite colonies in the Gulf region, fire ant infestations across most of the state, extreme heat that drives pests indoors, a long warm season that keeps pests active year-round, and a diverse geography ranging from humid coastlines to arid deserts, each with different pest pressures.

Licensed Texas companies use EPA-registered products approved for residential and commercial use. Common categories include pyrethroids (synthetic insecticides for general pest barriers), fipronil (effective against ants and termites), neonicotinoids (for various insects), and growth regulators (which disrupt pest reproduction). Your technician should identify specific products used.