Consumer Information
The structural pest control industry is regulated by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), Structural Pest Control Service (SPCS), PO Box 12847, Austin, TX 78711–2847. TDA licenses the businesses, certified applicators and technicians who perform structural pest control work. Certified applicators and technicians must pass a written examination in order to receive their licenses.
Pesticides must be registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and TDA before they may be used in Texas. EPA registration is not a finding of product safety. Pesticides are designed to kill or control pests. Your risk of harm depends on the degree of your exposure and or individual susceptibility.
Specific health and safety information varies between pesticides and types of exposures and is available on the label information or MSDS sheet, which can be supplied to you upon request from the licensed applicator. Take precautions when a treatment has been performed to avoid exposure to vulnerable individuals. Pesticides maybe harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Avoid breathing dust or spray mist and any unnecessary contact with treated services. If you desire specific information on precautions, refer to the pesticide label. The law requires that the application procedures specified on the label be followed. If you have questions about the application, contact the business or person making the application. If you suspect a violation of the law regarding structural pest control, contact the SPCS. In case of a health emergency, seek immediate medical attention. Pest Control signs must be posted prior to treatment in many instances. The signs should be posted in an area of common access at least 48 hours prior to treatment. The information sign will allow you to contact someone and tell you what pesticide is being used.
If you are contracting for pest-control services due to a home solicitation, you have the right to cancel the contract within 72 hours. You may exercise this right by notifying the pest control company that you do not wish to receive their service. For general information on pesticides, contact the national pesticide information center 1–800-858-7378. For information concerning structural pest control laws, contact the Structural Pest Control Service at: (512) 305–8250 or 866–918–4481.
For information concerning the formulation and registration of pesticides, contact the TDA pesticide registration at (512) 463–7476 or 800–835-5832.
For non-emergency health information relating to pesticides, contact Texas Department of State Health Services (512) 458-7111.
Reduced Impact Service
In order to minimize the reliance on pesticides and reduce pest populations, a Reduced Impact Pest Control operator may recommend that you consider the sanitation or physical alteration of your workplace or residence. It is your responsibility to follow these recommendations. Your pest control operator may or may not offer these services upon request. A proper inspection will provide the information necessary for you to choose the method of pest control which best suits your situation. Many past problems can be solved without using pesticides.
This reduced impact service will include an inspection report and treatment recommendations. You should review these and keep a copy for your records. Your cooperation of all of the recommendations made by your service provider is essential to reduce the impact service program.
Pesticides maybe used in a responsible and professional manner and I reduce the impact pest-control service. If you do not want specific pesticides used or any pesticides used at all, you must notice in writing on the contract prior to the initiation of the service. If any specific pesticide or class of pesticides or not excluded, it may be used by the provider.
POISON CONTROL CENTER – Statewide: (800) 222–1222
Licensed and regulated by: Texas Department of Agriculture, P.O Box 12847, Austin, TX 78711-2847, Phone (866) 918-4481, (FAX) 888-232-2567