Pest Control Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pest control in Houston, Harris County, Texas.

$400 -- $1200 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass required exams 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Houston / Harris County Requirements

2 requirements
1

Houston — General Business License

Houston requires all businesses operating within city limits to obtain a general business license from the city. Pest control companies must renew annually and may be subject to additional zoning review.

$50–$200/year1–3 weeks
Official government source
2

Texas Department of Agriculture — Structural Pest Control License

Texas requires all pest control businesses to hold a Structural Pest Control Business License issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Each business must employ a licensed Certified Commercial Applicator. Technicians must be registered as pest management technicians.

$75 exam fee; $300–$500 business license; $75 technician registration4–8 weeks (exam scheduling and processing)
Official government source

Texas State Requirements

2 requirements
1

Texas — Commercial Pesticide Applicator License

Texas requires all pest control businesses to hold a Structural Pest Control Business License issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Each business must employ a licensed Certified Commercial Applicator. Technicians must be registered as pest management technicians.

$75 exam fee; $300–$500 business license; $75 technician registration4–8 weeks
Official government source
2

Texas — Sales Tax / Business Registration

Texas does not generally tax pest control services as taxable receipts, but verify with the Texas Comptroller.

No fee1–2 weeks
Official government source

Federal Requirements

2 requirements
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source
2

EPA Federal Pesticide Requirements

Federal law (FIFRA) requires all pesticide applicators to use only EPA-registered products and follow label instructions. Commercial applicators must maintain application records for at least 2 years.

No federal feeOngoing compliance
Official government source

Official Sources

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