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El Paso, TX Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Local rule
El Paso Ch. 13 sanitation
State law
Tex. Occ. Code Ch. 1951
Lead agencies
Public Health, Code Compliance
Reporting
311

Summary

El Paso property owners must keep buildings free of rodents, roaches, and bed bugs under Chapter 13 health and sanitation rules. Commercial pesticide applicators must hold licenses from the Texas Department of Agriculture under the Texas Structural Pest Control Act.

Sec. 1951.001. SHORT TITLE. This chapter may be cited as the Texas Structural Pest Control Act. Sec. 1951.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "Apartment building" means a building that contains at least two dwelling units that are rented primarily for nontransient permanent dwelling purposes, with rental paid by intervals of one week or longer. ... (3) "Certified applicator" means a certified commercial applicator or a certified noncommercial applicator. ... (12) "Restricted-use pesticide" means a pesticide classified for restricted or limited use by the administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Source: El Paso Department of Public HealthView official code

Full Breakdown

Chapter 13 of the El Paso Municipal Code requires that owners maintain residential and commercial properties in a sanitary condition free from harborage of rats, roaches, and other vectors. The Department of Public Health and Code Compliance investigate complaints, particularly in older central neighborhoods and along arroyos where rodent pressure is higher. Commercial structural pest control work is regulated by the Texas Department of Agriculture under Tex. Occupations Code Chapter 1951 (Texas Structural Pest Control Act). Apartment owners must coordinate with tenants on bed-bug treatment and provide notice consistent with Texas Property Code habitability duties.

Violations & Fines

Chapter 13 citation, Code Compliance abatement orders, and Texas Department of Agriculture penalties for unlicensed structural pest control under Tex. Occ. Code Ch. 1951.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who regulates pest control companies in Texas?
The Texas Department of Agriculture, under the Structural Pest Control Act (Tex. Occ. Code Ch. 1951), licenses commercial applicators and businesses.
Can El Paso fine landlords for roach infestations?
Yes. Chapter 13 sanitation rules and Texas Property Code habitability duties allow citations and tenant remedies for unaddressed infestations.

Sources & Official References

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