Houston, TX Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Ch. 10 Art. IX
- Mosquito Control
- Health Dept Vector Control
- Complaints
- 311 or Health Dept
- Construction IPM
- Required in rodent areas
Summary
Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 10 requires property owners to keep premises free from insect and rodent infestation. The Houston Health Department runs Vector Control programs for mosquitoes and rodents, and issues abatement orders.
Sec. 1951.005. LOCAL REGULATION OF PESTICIDE SALE OR USE. (a) Except as provided by this section, a municipality or other political subdivision of this state may not adopt an ordinance or rule regarding pesticide sale or use. (b) This section does not limit the authority of a municipality or county to: (1) encourage locally approved and provided educational material concerning a pesticide; (2) zone for the sale or storage of pesticide products; (3) adopt fire or building regulations, including regulations governing the storage of pesticide products or governing fumigation and thermal insecticidal fogging operations, as preventative measures to protect the public and emergency services personnel from an accident or emergency involving pesticide products; (4) provide or designate sites for the disposal of pesticide products; (5) route hazardous materials; or (6) regulate discharge to sanitary sewer systems.
Full Breakdown
Under Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 10, Article IX (Building Standards), property owners must maintain structures free from insect and rodent infestation. The Houston Health Department's Bureau of Pollution Control and Prevention operates mosquito surveillance and spraying programs. The department's Environmental Health division handles rodent complaints. For construction sites, Houston requires an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan prepared by a PA-licensed pest control company for projects in areas with known rodent activity. The plan must include an initial site survey, treatment methods, MSDS information for rodenticides, and a monitoring schedule. Bed bug infestations in rental properties fall under the landlord's maintenance obligations. The Harris County Public Health department coordinates region-wide mosquito control including aerial spraying during outbreaks.
Violations & Fines
Building standards violations result in notice to abate followed by fines. The city may abate the nuisance and assess costs against the property. Report pest infestations to 311 or the Houston Health Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles rodent complaints in Houston?
Is my Houston landlord responsible for pest control?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
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Rodent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle rodent control.