Orkin

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.

Licensed pest control companies in Texas use EPA-registered products applied according to label directions, which are safe when used properly. Most treatments require 2–4 hours of drying time before re-entry. Ask your technician about specific precautions for your household, especially for infants, pregnant women, and pets.

DIY methods can help with minor issues like occasional ants or spiders. However, infestations of termites, bed bugs, rodents, or recurring roaches typically require professional treatment. Licensed technicians have access to commercial-grade products, specialized equipment, and the training to apply treatments safely and effectively.

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.

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.

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.

Crack and crevice treatment (Category C) involves applying small amounts of pesticide directly into cracks, gaps, and voids where pests harbor. This targeted method uses gel baits, dusts, and aerosols to reach hidden pests while minimizing exposure in the surrounding area. It is particularly effective in food-handling establishments.

Structural fumigation typically costs $1–$3 per square foot, so a 2,000 sq ft home would cost $2,000–$6,000. Costs depend on structure size, fumigant used, and the severity of the infestation. Some companies include a post-fumigation warranty. Always get written estimates from multiple licensed fumigators.

Texas's warm, humid climate is ideal for cockroaches. The American cockroach (palmetto bug) thrives outdoors in mulch and sewers but enters homes seeking water. German cockroaches infest kitchens and bathrooms. The state's long warm season means roach populations remain active nearly year-round, making regular pest control essential.

Bed bugs are hitchhikers — they travel in luggage, used furniture, clothing, and boxes. Hotels, public transportation, and secondhand items are common sources. They do not indicate poor hygiene or dirty conditions. Infestations can happen in any home and should be treated by a licensed professional promptly.

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.