Mosquito Authority of Flower Mound, Argyle, Highland Village, Lantana

IPM is a science-based approach that combines prevention, monitoring, and targeted treatment to manage pests with minimal chemical use. It includes sealing entry points, removing food and water sources, and using pesticides only when necessary. Many licensed Texas companies offer IPM programs as a long-term, environmentally responsible option.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Do not attempt to remove wasp nests yourself, especially paper wasp nests, yellow jacket ground nests, or large hornet nests. Wasps can sting repeatedly and attack in numbers when their nest is threatened. A licensed pest control professional can safely remove the nest and treat the area to discourage rebuilding.

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.

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.