What levels of liability and umbrella insurance should my business carry to qualify for commercial contracts and protect our assets?

Most mid-market contractors in Texas carry at least $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate in General Liability, with an Umbrella policy between $5M–$10M depending on project size and contract terms. EIS Texas tailors limits to your revenue, subcontractor volume, and client requirements.

How do I manage and transfer risk properly when hiring subcontractors?

Require Certificates of Insurance with matching limits, verify additional insured endorsements, and confirm waivers of subrogation. EIS provides certificate tracking and subcontractor compliance tools through our Risk Management Services.

Should I carry Workers’ Compensation in Texas, and what are the pros and cons of opting out?

Texas doesn’t mandate Workers’ Comp, but opting out increases employer liability and can limit project eligibility. Many mid-size contractors carry Workers’ Comp or use an Occupational Accident + Employer’s Liability structure. We help you choose what fits your risk profile and contracts.

How do I insure and protect heavy equipment, tools in transit, and fleet vehicles across multiple job sites?

Use Inland Marine for mobile tools and equipment and Commercial Auto for trucks and service vehicles, with territory and jobsite coverage spelled out to avoid gaps. EIS builds asset schedules and coverage extensions that travel with your crews statewide.

As my company grows and takes on larger projects, how should my coverage evolve?

Larger projects increase liability, auto, and workers’ comp exposure. Many growing contractors add higher Umbrella limits and consider Group Captive Insurance Programs to control premiums and claims long term. Start with a Risk Consultation to map a scalable coverage strategy.

What levels of liability and umbrella insurance should my business carry to qualify for commercial contracts and protect our assets?

Most mid-market contractors in Texas carry at least $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate in General Liability, with an Umbrella policy between $5M–$10M depending on project size and contract terms. EIS Texas tailors limits to your revenue, subcontractor volume, and client requirements.

How do I manage and transfer risk properly when hiring subcontractors?

Require Certificates of Insurance with matching limits, verify additional insured endorsements, and confirm waivers of subrogation. EIS provides certificate tracking and subcontractor compliance tools through our Risk Management Services.

Should I carry Workers’ Compensation in Texas, and what are the pros and cons of opting out?

Texas doesn’t mandate Workers’ Comp, but opting out increases employer liability and can limit project eligibility. Many mid-size contractors carry Workers’ Comp or use an Occupational Accident + Employer’s Liability structure. We help you choose what fits your risk profile and contracts.

How do I insure and protect heavy equipment, tools in transit, and fleet vehicles across multiple job sites?

Use Inland Marine for mobile tools and equipment and Commercial Auto for trucks and service vehicles, with territory and jobsite coverage spelled out to avoid gaps. EIS builds asset schedules and coverage extensions that travel with your crews statewide.

As my company grows and takes on larger projects, how should my coverage evolve?

Larger projects increase liability, auto, and workers’ comp exposure. Many growing contractors add higher Umbrella limits and consider Group Captive Insurance Programs to control premiums and claims long term. Start with a Risk Consultation to map a scalable coverage strategy.

Texas Pest Control OSHA & Licensing Compliance Guide

A Practical Guide to Safety, Licensing, and Risk Management Compliance for Texas Businesses

Digital library with glowing data interfaces symbolizing a centralized OSHA and Texas regulatory knowledge hub powered by EIS Texas.

Safeguarding Your Team, Clients, and Business Through Safety and Regulatory Excellence

Texas pest control professionals manage more than just infestations — they manage chemicals, vehicles, and people’s trust. Every job brings the potential for exposure, environmental contamination, or injury, making compliance a daily discipline rather than an annual checklist.

At Eastman Insurance Solutions (EIS Texas), we help pest control companies create and maintain compliance systems that meet regulatory standards, strengthen insurance performance, and protect both your license and livelihood.

Schedule a Risk Consultation →

Explore Your Industry Compliance Portal

Below are the dedicated compliance resources curated by EIS Texas. Each section outlines federal and state-specific requirements, plus actionable risk management practices for your industry.

1. Licensing Requirements – Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA)

All pest control businesses and applicators in Texas fall under the TDA Structural Pest Control Service (SPCS), which enforces licensing, certification, and continuing education.

Business Licensing

Must hold a Structural Pest Control Business License under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1951.
Must designate a Certified Commercial Applicator (CCA) as the responsible party.
Must maintain proof of insurance on file with the TDA (general liability & pollution).

Individual Licensing

Certified Applicators and Technicians must pass exams, complete CEUs, and display ID numbers on vehicles and advertising materials.
Unlicensed personnel may not apply restricted-use pesticides or supervise treatments.

Reference: TDA Structural Pest Control Licensing

2. OSHA Standards for Pest Control Operations

Pest control companies are regulated under OSHA General Industry Standards (29 CFR 1910), which govern workplace safety, chemical handling, and employee training.

Core OSHA Requirements

29 CFR 1910.1200 – Hazard Communication (HazCom):
Maintain an up-to-date chemical inventory, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and employee right-to-know training.
29 CFR 1910.132 – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Provide gloves, respirators, and eye protection appropriate to chemical class.
29 CFR 1910.151 – Medical Services and First Aid:
Provide accessible first-aid kits, eye wash stations, and exposure procedures.
29 CFR 1910.178 – Powered Industrial Trucks (if operating forklifts):
Training and maintenance documentation required for warehouse or facility operations.

Official Source: OSHA Pesticide Safety Standards

3. Chemical Storage, Handling & Disposal

Pesticides are classified as hazardous chemicals under OSHA and regulated substances under both EPA and TCEQ guidelines.

Storage Requirements

Store chemicals in original labeled containers in a secured, ventilated, and weather-protected area.
Segregate flammable and oxidizing agents.
Maintain spill containment kits on-site and in all service vehicles.

Disposal Requirements

Follow TCEQ hazardous waste rules for pesticide and container disposal.
Never pour leftover chemicals into drains, sewers, or soil.
Keep disposal manifests for at least three years.

Resources:

4. Fleet & Driver Safety

Your pest control fleet carries chemicals and employees across residential, commercial, and industrial sites — meaning OSHA, DOT, and TDA rules overlap.

Fleet Compliance Essentials

Drivers must be trained on chemical transport and emergency response.
Vehicles must be locked, labeled, and ventilated.
Keep proof of insurance and chemical manifests in every service vehicle.
Maintain defensive driving logs, vehicle inspections, and spill response procedures.

Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Considerations

Pest control chemicals typically fall under DOT Class 6.1 (Toxic Substances) or Class 3 (Flammable Liquids).
Any firm transporting quantities that meet DOT thresholds must maintain HazMat registration and driver endorsements.

Reference: DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations

5. Common OSHA Violations in Texas Pest Control Firms

Lack of Hazard Communication (HazCom) program
Missing or expired PPE and respirator fit tests
Improper pesticide labeling or storage
No written exposure or emergency response plan
Untrained technicians handling restricted-use products

6. Texas Pest Control Compliance Checklist

Licensing & Documentation

Verify current business license with TDA SPCS.
Maintain insurance certificate on file with TDA.
Keep updated CEU documentation for all certified applicators.

Chemical & Storage Safety

Maintain an updated chemical inventory and SDS library.
Store chemicals in locked, ventilated areas away from ignition sources.
Label all containers and secondary dispensers clearly.

Fleet & Driver Safety

Conduct and log weekly vehicle inspections.
Provide spill-response training for all technicians.
Maintain a copy of the company’s emergency action plan in all vehicles.

Employee Safety

Conduct annual PPE and respirator fit tests.
Document training on chemical handling and emergency response.
Provide first-aid and eye wash access in all facilities.

7. Integrating Compliance with Risk Management

At EIS Texas, we help pest control firms translate compliance into performance.
Our consultative model connects OSHA, TDA, and TCEQ standards to your broader insurance and risk management strategy, helping you:

Reduce Workers Comp and Pollution Liability losses.
Improve fleet safety scores and DOT compliance.
Align training and documentation with carrier underwriting requirements.
Strengthen renewal positions with clean safety records and proactive compliance documentation.

Explore Risk Management Integration →

Service Area – Supporting Texas Pest Control Professionals

We serve pest management businesses across Texas:
Dallas–Fort Worth · Houston · Austin · San Antonio · East Texas · Central Texas · West Texas · Gulf Coast

From small local operators to multi-county commercial pest firms, EIS Texas provides compliance guidance that keeps your business safe, licensed, and profitable.