Hiring help

How to find a licensed company

This site doesn't have a list of companies yet. Instead, here's how to find and check licensed companies on your own. It takes a little time, and you stay in control.

Step 1: Make a short list #

• Ask people you trust. Neighbors, friends, coworkers, and your HOA often know who did a good job.
• Ask your landlord or property manager, if you rent. In Texas, apartment owners must use a licensed provider or a licensed employee for pest control.
• Use TDA's license list. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) posts a spreadsheet of licensed commercial pest control businesses. It has a county column, so you can sort or filter by your county to see licensed businesses based near you. Companies may also serve nearby counties. The list can include businesses whose license or insurance date has passed, so check the dates. Get the file from TDA's Current Licenses page.
• Search online, then check each result against TDA's list. Online listings and reviews aren't a license check.

Aim for two or three companies, especially for bigger jobs like termites or bed bugs.

Step 2: Check each one #

Before anyone comes out, check the license. Make sure:

• The business name and license number match TDA's records.
• The license and insurance dates haven't expired.
• The license covers the right category for your job, such as termite work for termites.

Step 3: Ask good questions #

You're hiring someone to work in your home. It's fine to ask a lot of questions.

Tell the company about anything that matters in your home: babies, pregnancy, allergies, asthma, pets, fish tanks, a vegetable garden, or a well.

Step 4: Watch for red flags #

If a salesperson signs you up at your home, Texas law generally lets you cancel until midnight of the third business day after you sign. Cancel in writing and keep a copy.

Step 5: After the work #

• Keep every document: the contract, invoices, warranty, product labels, and the Texas Department of Agriculture consumer information sheet, if the company gave you one.
• Write down dates and what was done.
• Watch the results and report problems to the company quickly.
• If the company won't fix a problem, you can contact TDA's Structural Pest Control Service at 866-918-4481 or [email protected].

About future listings #

If this site ever adds a list of companies, every company listed will show its business name exactly as licensed and its TDA license number. Any paid placement will be labeled right next to the listing. Read How we make money for the current status.

More help: What pest control costs and Do it yourself or hire a pro.

Photo: "Checking door sweep for gaps" by Cornell IPM (New York State Integrated Pest Management), CC BY 2.0, via Flickr. Cropped. All photo credits