Texas Pesticide Record Keeping & Compliance
Texas regulates commercial pesticide application through the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Applicators for hire need a TDA license, and commercial applicators must record every pesticide application — general-use products included — and retain those records.
Published July 31, 2026 · Last reviewed July 31, 2026
Record keeping in Texas
Retention: 2 years. Texas commercial applicators must keep records of all pesticide applications — including general-use products, not just restricted-use and state-limited-use pesticides — for at least two years. Records must be kept current at the applicator's principal place of business and include the date and start time, location, product and EPA registration number, rate, total amount, wind and temperature conditions, and the applicator's name and license number.
Licensing: Commercial Applicator License, administered by Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).
Notification & posting rules
Texas structural pest control work (which includes many residential lawn and ornamental treatments performed by licensed structural businesses) carries consumer-information and posting requirements administered by the TDA's Structural Pest Control Service.
Frequently asked questions
How long do Texas applicators have to keep pesticide records?
At least two years. TDA requires commercial applicators to record every pesticide application — general-use products included, not just restricted-use and state-limited-use pesticides — and keep those records current at the business's principal place of business.
Who needs a pesticide license in Texas?
Anyone applying restricted-use or state-limited-use pesticides for hire needs a TDA commercial applicator license. Structural pest control work is licensed separately through the TDA's Structural Pest Control Service.
What must a Texas pesticide application record include?
The date and start time, the location, the product name and EPA registration number, the rate and total amount applied, the target pest and site treated, wind direction and velocity plus air temperature for outdoor work, the application method, and the applicator's name and license number.
Educational summary, not legal advice — verify current requirements with Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).
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Related state guides
Compare record-retention and notification requirements in these states with similar compliance profiles:
New Mexico · Oklahoma · Rhode Island · South Carolina · Tennessee · Utah · Virginia · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming