The Bug Master
DBA of BARSNESS SERVICE GROUP INC
About The Bug Master
The Bug Master has been providing licensed pest control services in San Antonio, Texas since 1990. With 36 years of operation under Texas Department of Agriculture license TPCL #566899, they serve residential and commercial customers across BEXAR County.
The company is licensed for 4 service categories, including pest control, termite treatment, lawn & landscape care, and wildlife removal. This broad licensing reflects their capacity to handle a wide range of pest management needs, from routine household pest treatment to specialized services.
The Bug Master maintains a strong 5-star rating based on 600+ customer reviews, placing them among the highest-rated pest control providers in the San Antonio area.
The designated certified applicator for The Bug Master is DARREN J BARSNESS, with SANDY B BARSNESS serving as the business operator. Texas law requires every pest control company to have a certified applicator responsible for supervising all pest management activities.
How The Bug Master Compares in San Antonio
Computed from Texas Department of Agriculture license records and public Google review data for 126 active licensed companies in San Antonio
#4 of 121
by Google rating among rated companies in San Antonio
600+
reviews — more than 85% of rated companies in San Antonio
Since 1990
TPCL licensed — earlier than 92% of 126 active licenses in San Antonio
1 of 27
companies in San Antonio licensed for wildlife removal
The average Google rating across 121 rated pest control companies in San Antonio is 4.8 stars; The Bug Master stands at 5 based on 600+ reviews. Its business license was first issued in 1990, earlier than 92% of the 126 active licenses held in San Antonio today.
What Customers Say About The Bug Master
Aggregated from public Google reviews of The Bug Master in San Antonio, TX
Customers mention
Topics Google aggregates from review text — the number shows how many reviews mention each topic
Business attributes
Service options
- Onsite services
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Planning
- Appointment required
Pest Control Services in San Antonio, TX
Licensed for 4 service categories under TPCL #566899
Pest Control
P11 pestsGeneral pest management for common household pests including roaches, ants, spiders, and more
Termite Treatment
T1 pestInspection, treatment, and prevention of subterranean, drywood, and Formosan termites
Lawn & Landscape Care
L1 pestLawn pest control, grub treatment, fire ant yard management, and landscape protection
Wildlife Removal
W5 pestsHumane removal of raccoons, opossums, bats, squirrels, skunks, and other wildlife
Also listed on Google as
Pests Treated
Based on the licensed service categories above
Pest Control
· 11 pestsTermite Treatment
· 1 pestLawn & Landscape Care
· 1 pestWildlife Removal
· 5 pestsLocation
Business Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Closed |
Texas Pest Control License
- License #
- TPCL #566899
- Issued
- Renewed
- Expires
- Certified Applicator
- DARREN J BARSNESS(#27714)
Pest control businesses in Texas are required to hold a Structural Pest Control Business License (TPCL), issued and regulated by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). The information shown here reflects the public TDA licensee record. Last verified: . View on Texas Department of Agriculture
Authorized service categories (4) under this license
General Pest Control (Category P)
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.
What this license covers:
- Cockroaches, ants, spiders, silverfish, and crickets
- Bed bugs, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes
- Wasps, hornets, and other stinging insects
- Scorpions, centipedes, and occasional invaders
- Interior and exterior perimeter treatments
- Preventive pest management programs
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.
Termite Treatment (Category T)
Category T authorizes the company to inspect for, treat, and prevent termite infestations. This is a specialized license requiring additional training in termite biology, soil treatment, and structural assessment.
What this license covers:
- Subterranean termite treatment (liquid barriers and bait systems)
- Drywood termite treatment (localized and whole-structure)
- Formosan termite identification and treatment
- Pre-construction termite prevention for new buildings
- Termite inspections and WDI (Wood-Destroying Insect) reports
- Annual monitoring and warranty programs
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.
Lawn & Landscape Care (Category L)
Category L authorizes the application of pesticides to lawns, ornamental plants, trees, and landscape areas. This license covers outdoor pest management separate from structural pest control.
What this license covers:
- Fire ant treatment and yard management
- Grub and chinch bug treatment in turf
- Mosquito yard treatments and barrier sprays
- Flea and tick outdoor applications
- Tree and ornamental insect and disease treatment
- Weed control and pre-emergent applications
Why it matters: Lawn and landscape 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.
Wildlife Removal (Category W)
Category W authorizes the humane removal and exclusion of nuisance wildlife from structures and properties. Operators must comply with both TDA and Texas Parks & Wildlife Department regulations.
What this license covers:
- Raccoon, opossum, and skunk trapping and removal
- Bat exclusion (seasonal restrictions apply)
- Squirrel removal and attic exclusion
- Snake identification and removal
- Bird removal from structures
- Animal damage repair and entry point sealing
Why it matters: Wildlife removal requires knowledge of animal behavior, humane trapping methods, species-specific regulations, and exclusion techniques. Improper removal can violate state and federal wildlife protection laws. The W category ensures compliance with all applicable regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about pest control services in San Antonio, TX
Is The Bug Master a licensed pest control company?
Yes. The Bug Master holds an active Structural Pest Control Business License, TPCL #566899, issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture. The license was first issued on January 1, 1990 and is valid through August 31, 2026. The certified applicator responsible for the license is DARREN J BARSNESS.
What services is The Bug Master licensed to provide?
The Bug Master is licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture for 4 service categories: pest control, termite treatment, lawn & landscape care, and wildlife removal. Each category is a separate authorization on TPCL #566899, so the company may only perform work it is explicitly licensed for. Notably, it is one of only 27 of the 126 active companies in San Antonio licensed for wildlife removal.
How does The Bug Master compare to other pest control companies in San Antonio?
Among the 121 rated pest control companies in San Antonio, The Bug Master ranks #4 by Google rating (5 stars vs. a local average of 4.8). Its 612 customer reviews put it ahead of 85% of local rated companies by review volume. The company has held its TPCL license since 1990, longer than 92% of active licensees in San Antonio.
Is The Bug Master open on weekends?
The Bug Master is open on Saturdays (Open 24 hours) but closed on Sundays. Hours reflect the company’s current Google Business Profile and may change on holidays.
What areas does The Bug Master serve?
The Bug Master is based at 18756 Stone Oak Pkwy Suite 200-5011, San Antonio, TX 78258 in San Antonio, BEXAR County, Texas. Pest control companies typically serve customers within a 20–30 mile radius, so nearby communities across BEXAR County are usually within its service area. Call ahead to confirm coverage for your address.
What questions should I ask before hiring a pest control company?
Key questions include: Are you licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture? What is your TPCL number? What specific treatment do you recommend and why? What products will you use? Do you offer a guarantee or warranty? Are your technicians certified applicators? What preparation is needed on my part?
Can I report a pest control company in Texas?
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.
What pests does general pest control cover?
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.
How should I handle a wasp nest near my home?
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.
- TPCL #
- 566899
- SPCB TPCL #
- 3315
- License Type
- P — Pest ControlT — Termite TreatmentL — Lawn & Landscape CareW — Wildlife Removal
- Issued
- Renewed
- Expires
- Insurance Exp.
- Operator
- SANDY B BARSNESS
- Applicator
- DARREN J BARSNESS
- Applicator Lic.
- #27714
- Legal Name
- BARSNESS SERVICE GROUP INC
Licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Verify at texasagriculture.gov
- CitySan Antonio
- CountyBEXAR
- ZIP78258
- Services4
- Reviews600+
Pest Control Companies Near The Bug Master
The closest licensed alternatives by straight-line distance from The Bug Master in San Antonio
Excalibur Lawn and Pest Control
Allstate Bugman
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Triple Threat Pest Control LLC
ABC Home & Commercial Services
