Can I purchase and spread fire ant bait on my yard without a “Private Applicators License”?
On your own property or on other private property as an unpaid volunteer, non-licensed private individuals can apply restricted bait products. None of the baits are restricted products, but several may only be obtained from distributors to professional pest control operators or landscapers. See our Broadcast Bait section for over-the-counter baits at consumer retailers. I assume a license would be required to spread fire ant bait and insecticides as a commercial business and on public rights-of-way. If you are paid for your service in urban areas, you will need a license from the Structural Pest Control Board. In agricultural and rural areas, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) provides commercial or non-commercial licenses. On public school grounds, permission and supervision must be obtained from the designated IPM coordinator for that school. For rights-of-way, permission to treat must be obtained from the agency managing the property (e.g. Texas Dept. of Transportation).
