Texas Pest Control License: Everything You Need to Know

The need for pest control technicians is increasing throughout the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of jobs in the pest control industry will increase by 8% by 2026.

If you are ready to make a career change, consider applying for a Texas pest control license. This guide contains everything you need to know about the process.

Does Texas Require a Pest Control License?

The state of Texas requires professional pest control technicians to be licensed to apply general and restricted-use pesticides in commercial and residential settings.

Are There Different Types of Licenses for Texas?

The different types of Texas pest control applicator licenses include:

• Commercial agricultural pesticide applicator license

• Structural certified applicator license

• Private applicator license

• Structural technician license

• Noncommercial agricultural pesticide applicator license

• Noncommercial agricultural political applicator license

The commercial agricultural pesticide applicator license authorizes a business to apply state-limited-use pesticides or restricted-use pesticides on another person's property.

The structural certified applicator license authorizes a person to provide pest control services for a business that has a pest control license.

The private applicator license authorizes a person to supervise or use state-limited-use pesticides, restricted-use pesticides, and regulated herbicides to produce agricultural commodities without compensation.

The structural technician license authorizes a person to perform pest control services under the direct supervision of a licensed applicator.

The noncommercial agricultural pesticide applicator license authorizes a person to apply pesticides to perform a job duty.

The noncommercial agricultural pesticide and political applicator license authorizes a person to apply pesticides on behalf of a government agency.

Texas pest control license fees: The fees for Texas pest control licenses are between $100 and $400. All licenses are administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

The average yearly pay for Texas pest control technicians is about $37,000.

How Do I Become Licensed for Pest Control in Texas?

Apply for a job as a pest control technician apprentice with a locally-owned or national pest control company. Although you do not have to enroll in a trade school or college to get your Texas pest control license, you must complete at least 20 hours of pesticide courses. Classes include pesticide safety, environmental protection, pesticide application, and non-chemical pest control techniques. Many employers provide pesticide training for their apprentices.

Training programs:

• Pest Control Courses

• Structural Pest Control Course Providers

• Pesticide Training and Exams

Course Costs: Expect to pay between $75 and $300 per course.

Prerequisites:

• Have a high school diploma or GED

• Be at least 18 years old

• Possess a Texas driver's license

• Be physically able to perform the job

• Be employed as a pest control technician apprentice

On-the-Job Experience:

• Identify and eliminate different types of pests

• Apply pesticides according to product directions

• Manage customer relationships

• Draft pest control inspection reports

• Submit service estimates and contract bids

• Control and prevent pest infestations

Licensing board Information: Apply for your license online with the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Examination requirements: Texas pest control license applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. Pest control license applicants must pass an exam to receive a license. The examination fees range from $100 to $200 per exam.

Examination categories include:

• State and federal pesticide laws

• Pesticide safety regulations

• Environmental protection

• Pesticide application techniques

Examination Resources:

Use the following resources to prepare for your Texas pest control examination:

• Texas Pest Control Association

• Texas Pest Control Applicator Licensing

• Commercial Applicator Study Material

How to Use Your Pest Control License to Get a Job

From Dallas to Austin, Texas pest control technicians are needed throughout the state. Visit the following websites to search for a pest control technician job in your area:

• Indeed

• CareerBuilder

• CareerBuilder

The hourly Texas pest control technician pay rate is $18.51.

Practice responding to the following questions to prepare for your interview:

• Why do you want to work in the pest control industry?

• What is the most difficult part of customer service?

• How can you apply pesticides in a safe manner?

• What is your strategy for handling stressful interactions?

Look as professional as possible when you attend your job interview. Bring a copy of your education credentials, resume, social security card, and driver's license to your Texas pest control technician interview.

Pest Control Industry Trends

Current trends in the pest control industry include:

• Automate scheduling and billing services

• Understand the behaviors and characteristics of local pests

• Attend local and national pest control legislation hearings

• Apply safe pesticides

• Educate customers about pest prevention techniques

• Attend pest control meetings, workshops, and trade shows

Dangers of Being a Pest Control Technician

Here are the common dangers that Texas pest control technicians may encounter:

• Harsh chemicals

• Slippery or icy work areas

• Pest bites and stings

• Sickness from pesticide exposure

• Back sprains due to heavy equipment

The following tips offer ways you can protect yourself from common pest control technician dangers:

• Wear well-constructed work boots and chemical-resistant clothing

• Always put on rubber gloves when you apply chemicals

• Wear safety glasses or goggles

• Clean up pesticide spills immediately

Is My Pest Control License Only Valid in Texas?

Texas has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

• Arkansas

• Indiana

• Kansas

• Louisiana

• Minnesota

• Mississippi

• Nebraska

• New Mexico

• Ohio

• Oklahoma

How Often Do I Need to Renew My Pest Control License in Texas?

Texas pest control licenses are renewed on an annual basis (with some exceptions). The renewal fee ranges from $100 to $400.

New to the Pest Control industry and looking to get licensed, or already a seasoned veteran and want to take your business to the next level? Find out more about Housecall Pro’s all-in-one Pest Control Software.