Pest Control Service Categories in Texas
7 TDA license categories + popular service pages across Texas
Quick reference — matching your problem to a service
- Ants, roaches, spiders, general prevention: pest control (TPCL category P)
- Rats, mice, raccoons, skunks, opossums in or around the house: also category P — see our wildlife removal page for that specific work
- Termites: termite control (category T) — liquid barrier or bait system; whole-structure tenting belongs to structural fumigation (category S)
- Fire ants in the lawn, grubs, brown patch: lawn and ornamental (category L)
- Weeds in the lawn, along fences, or on commercial sites: weed control (category W)
- Grain bins, silos, food-storage warehouses: commodity fumigation (category C)
- Severe drywood termite or whole-home infestation: structural fumigation (category S)
- Utility poles, crossties, industrial wood products: wood preservation (category D)
Categories are issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture. A single company may hold several — always confirm the TPCL category on their license certificate matches your pest problem before signing.
Every pest control company in Texas must hold a valid Structural Pest Control License (TPCL) issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Licenses are issued by category — each category authorizes a specific scope of work. Hiring a company with the correct license category ensures they are trained, insured, and legally authorized to perform the service you need.
Below are the 7 license categories recognized by the TDA. Each category page includes a detailed guide on what the service covers, typical costs, what to expect during treatment, and a directory of licensed companies authorized to perform that work in Texas.
Service Categories — Cost & Frequency at a Glance
| Service | TDA Category | Typical Texas price | Frequency | Use when |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Control | P — Pest control | $40–$100/mo or $200–$400 initial | Monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly | Ants, cockroaches, spiders, rodents, raccoons and other nuisance animals, general prevention |
| Termite Control | T — Termite control | $800–$3,000 (liquid); $1,200–$2,500 (bait) | One-time + annual inspection renewal | Subterranean / Formosan termite activity, pre-construction, swarmer sightings. Whole-structure tenting for drywood termites requires category S |
| Lawn & Ornamental | L — Lawn and ornamental | $60–$150/visit, $400–$900/yr program | Monthly Mar–Oct | Fire ants, chinch bugs, grubs, brown patch, ornamental pests |
| Weed Control | W — Weed control | $50–$150/application, $300–$800/yr program | Pre-emergent 2×/yr + spot treatments | Crabgrass, broadleaf weeds, fence lines, rights-of-way, industrial bare-ground |
| Commodity Fumigation | C — Commodity fumigation | Quoted per site (commercial) | As needed | Grain bins, silos, food-storage warehouses, stored-product pests |
| Structural Fumigation | S — Structural fumigation | $1,500–$5,000+ depending on home size | One-time tent fumigation | Severe drywood termite, powderpost beetle, whole-home infestation |
| Wood Preservation | D — Wood preservation | Industrial contracts | Ongoing | Utility poles, crossties, posts, marine timbers |
Price ranges reflect typical 2025–2026 Texas market rates for single-family homes. Commercial and multi-unit properties are quoted separately. Always get 2–3 quotes before signing.
Browse All Service Pages
Pest Control
General pest management for common household pests including roaches, ants, spiders, and more
Termite Control
Inspection, treatment, and prevention of subterranean, drywood, and Formosan termites
Lawn & Ornamental
Lawn pest control, grub treatment, fire ant yard management, and landscape protection
Weed Control
Herbicide treatment of weeds around homes, buildings, rights-of-way, and industrial areas
Commodity Fumigation
Fumigation of stored commodities, grain bins, and food-storage structures
Structural Fumigation
Whole-structure tenting and fumigation for severe drywood termite and pest infestations
Wood Preservation
Preservative treatment of utility poles, crossties, posts, and other wood products
Wildlife Removal
Removal and exclusion of raccoons, opossums, squirrels, skunks, and other nuisance wildlife
Popular service — covered by the TDA Pest Control (P) category, not a separate license
TDA License Categories Explained
General pest management for common household pests including roaches, ants, spiders, and more
Inspection, treatment, and prevention of subterranean, drywood, and Formosan termites
Lawn pest control, grub treatment, fire ant yard management, and landscape protection
Herbicide treatment of weeds around homes, buildings, rights-of-way, and industrial areas
Fumigation of stored commodities, grain bins, and food-storage structures
Whole-structure tenting and fumigation for severe drywood termite and pest infestations
Preservative treatment of utility poles, crossties, posts, and other wood products
Pest Control Service Categories — FAQ
Authoritative Sources — Texas Pest Control Services
- Texas Department of Agriculture — Structural Pest Control Service — official TPCL license registry and category definitions.
- TDLR Structural Pest Control Service — consumer complaints, enforcement actions, and license look-up.
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Pest Management — peer-reviewed pest identification and IPM guides.
- U.S. EPA — Integrated Pest Management Principles — what a reputable operator's IPM approach should look like.
- U.S. EPA — Understanding Pesticide Labels — signal words, re-entry intervals, and safety guidance for pesticide products.