How to Become an Exterminator in Texas

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

Although job duties as an exterminator are fairly consistent from region to region, each state varies when it comes to specific laws, rules and regulations. To become an exterminator, or licensed structural pest control applicator in the state of Texas, you must meet minimum requirements and have a license, which requires classroom hours.

Steps

1
Meet the minimum requirements. In Texas, you must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED.
2
Understand the responsibilities of an exterminator.
- Be able to identify infestations, provide recommendations, make inspection reports, submit bids or estimates, and perform specific services to eliminate, prevent, control and pest infestations.
- Know how to process paperwork and have a full understanding of math, chemistry and biology.
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3
Begin work as an apprentice for an existing extermination business.
- Submit your resume or application to pest control companies in your area. To become an exterminator in Texas, you must log at least 40 work hours to obtain a license.
4
Begin working toward obtaining an extermination license.^{[1]
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Research source} In the state of Texas, the Structural Pest Control Act requires all individuals and businesses who perform pest control and extermination duties to have a license.
- Accumulate a minimum of 20 classroom hours. There are specific areas in which to obtain classroom hours.
- Take classes in the ability to recognize pests and pest damages; Federal and state laws, rules and regulations regarding the pest control and extermination industry; Understanding pesticide labels; Practicing and coaching pesticide safety; Non-chemical related pest control techniques; Protection of the environment; Knowledge of pesticide application equipment, techniques and pesticide formulas.
5
Determine the categories you want to obtain an exterminator license in.
- Choose from the categories of pest control, termite control, wood preservation, lawn and ornamental inspection, weed control, structural fumigation and commodity fumigation.
6
Work a minimum of 40 hours in each pest control category you plan to receive an exterminator license in.^{[2]
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7
Generate a minimum of 8 additional classroom hours in each category you plan to receive an exterminator license in.
8
Complete your training and classroom work within exactly 1 year to avoid having to retrain.
9
Decide if you want to become a commercial or noncommercial applicator. ^{[3]
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- A commercial applicator is part of a pest control or extermination business; whereas a noncommercial applicator is not affiliated with a business but can perform pest control services because they have a license.
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Community Q&A

Question

Can an ex-convict obtain an exterminator license?

Community Answer

It depends on your offense, it's date and your location.
Question

Does work experience in federal prison qualify?

Community Answer

If that work involved extermination, yes.