Dallas, TX Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing Code
- Dallas City Code Chapter 27, Section 27-14.1
- Mosquito Program
- Consumer Health Division, Code Compliance Services
- Demolition Requirement
- Pest-free certification required before demolition
- State Licensing
- Texas Structural Pest Control Act (Occ. Code Ch. 1951)
- Report Issues
- Call 311 or (214) 670-8083
Summary
Dallas operates a comprehensive mosquito abatement program through Code Compliance Services and enforces property standards related to pest control under Chapter 27 of the Dallas City Code. Section 27-14.1 addresses treatment for insects and rodents in structures ordered for demolition. The city conducts aerial and ground spraying for mosquito control to combat West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, and property owners are required to eliminate standing water and conditions that breed pests.
Sec. 1951.003. BUSINESS OF STRUCTURAL PEST CONTROL. (a) In this chapter, a person is engaged in the "business of structural pest control" if the person performs, offers to perform, or advertises for or solicits the person's performance of any of the following services for compensation, including services performed as a part of the person's employment:(1) identifying infestations or making inspections for the purpose of identifying or attempting to identify infestations of:(A) arthropods, including insects, spiders, mites, ticks, and related pests, wood-infesting organisms, rodents, weeds, nuisance birds, and any other obnoxious or undesirable animals that may infest households, railroad cars, ships, docks, trucks, airplanes, or other s
Full Breakdown
Dallas City Code Chapter 27 (Minimum Property Standards) requires property owners to maintain premises free of conditions that promote pest infestation. Under the code's definition, 'infestation' means the presence within or contiguous to a structure or premises of insects, rodents, vectors, or other pests. 1 specifically requires that before a structure ordered demolished can be torn down, the owner must obtain certification from a person licensed under the Texas Structural Pest Control Act (Occupations Code Chapter 1951) that the structure is free of insects and rodents or has been treated within the preceding 30 days.
If the owner fails to obtain this certification, the city may do so and charge the cost as part of the demolition expense, which becomes a lien against the property. The Dallas Mosquito Abatement Program, operated by Consumer Health within Code Compliance Services, conducts surveillance, larviciding, and adulticiding (ground and aerial spraying) to control mosquito populations. Residents can opt out of spraying via 311. Property owners who maintain stagnant water, overgrown vegetation, or unsanitary conditions that attract pests may receive code violations under Chapter 27.
Violations & Fines
Property owners who fail to address conditions promoting pest infestation can receive code compliance notices with typically 30 days to remedy. Fines range from $200 to $2,000 per violation per day. For structures ordered demolished, failure to obtain pest treatment certification allows the city to perform treatment and place a lien on the property for the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dallas spray for mosquitoes?
Can I get a code violation for pest infestations on my Dallas property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas
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Rodent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle rodent control.