Metro Guard Termite & Pest Control

Most Texas homes benefit from quarterly pest control treatments due to the warm climate that keeps pests active year-round. Properties with ongoing issues or those near wooded areas may need monthly service. An annual termite inspection is recommended even if you have no visible signs of activity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Termites are found throughout Texas, but subterranean termites are especially active in the eastern and southern regions with higher moisture levels. The Gulf Coast and East Texas have the highest termite pressure, including aggressive Formosan termites. Regardless of location, annual inspections are recommended for all Texas homeowners.

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.