Pest Control Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

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

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $400–$1,200 est. 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass required exams
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

2 stops

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

  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.

    Official government source

    No federal feeOngoing compliance

State of Texas

2 stops

  1. Texas SPCS Structural Pest Control Business License + Certified Applicator

    Texas pest control businesses must hold a Structural Pest Control Business License from the Texas Department of Agriculture's Structural Pest Control Service (SPCS). The business must employ a licensed Certified Applicator; individuals performing pest control work must hold SPCS technician licenses (apprentice registration available for trainees). Licensing exams cost $64 per category. Fees: $300 business license (original and renewal), $125 certified applicator, $125 technician.

    Official government source

    $300 business license (annual); $125 certified applicator license; $125 technician license; $64 per category exam4–8 weeks

  2. Texas Sales Tax Permit (pest control services are taxable)

    Pest control and extermination are taxable real property services in Texas (Texas Tax Code 151.0048; Comptroller Publication 96-259). A pest control business must obtain a free Texas Sales Tax Permit from the Comptroller and collect and remit sales tax on its services (6.25% state plus up to 2% local).

    Official government source

    Free1–2 weeks

City of Houston / Harris County

2 stops

  1. City of Houston — No General Business License Required

    Houston does NOT require a general city business license, business tax certificate, or occupational license. There is no city license application or annual renewal for this business type. Only activity-specific permits (e.g., health, fire, occupancy) apply where relevant; sales tax is handled by the Texas Comptroller. Pest control businesses are licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture's Structural Pest Control Service; Houston adds no city business license.

    Official government source

    None1–3 weeks

  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.

    Official government source

    Per the current TDA Structural Pest Control Service fee schedule (business license, certified applicator exam/license, and technician registration fees) — verify at texasagriculture.gov4–8 weeks (exam scheduling and processing)

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,200 · 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass required exams

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Official Sources

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