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Lubbock, TX Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

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

Key Facts

State License
TDA SPCS required
Code
Chapter 18 Health
West Nile
City larvicides playas
Bed Bugs
Landlord abates in 10 days
Statute
TX Occupations Ch 1951

Summary

Lubbock Code Chapter 18 (Health and Sanitation) requires property owners to prevent rodent and insect harborage. Licensed commercial applicators must hold a Texas Structural Pest Control Service license from TDA.

TDA also works to provide agriculture producers with the resources and support they need. The division is responsible for licensing and training pesticide applicators, overseeing worker protection, registering pesticides for sale in the state and working to minimize unnecessary impacts to agriculture while enhancing protection of endangered and threatened species as mandated by the federal law. The Structural Pest Control Service licenses applicators who make pesticide applications in and around structures. [...] The Texas Agriculture Code, Section 12A.004, requires that TDA develop a strategic inspection plan and report on enforcement actions. The plan covers TDA's planned inspection strategy for the coming fiscal year and reports on enforcement activities for the last complete fiscal year.

Source: TDA Structural Pest ControlView official code

Full Breakdown

Lubbock relies on the Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Service for licensing of commercial applicators under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1951. Property owners must eliminate conditions conducive to rats, mosquitoes, roaches, and bed bugs when cited by Lubbock Code Enforcement under Chapter 18. The City participates in West Nile Virus surveillance with the Lubbock Public Health Department, which sets larvicide treatments in playa lakes and storm drains during mosquito season (April through October). Bed bug complaints in rental housing are investigated jointly by Code Enforcement and Vector Control; landlords must hire a licensed exterminator within 10 days of a confirmed infestation.

Violations & Fines

Failure to abate pest harborage: 10-day notice, then administrative abatement with lien and 500 dollar civil penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I spray my own yard for fire ants?
Yes, consumer pesticides are allowed on your own property; only commercial-for-hire applicators need a TDA license.

Sources & Official References

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