EAST TEXAS (KLTV) – A Bullard neighborhood is on alert after a social media post warned residents about door-to-door visitors.
Rules about who can knock on doors and when vary depending on where residents live in East Texas.
As warmer weather moves into the region, police say residents will start seeing more solicitors in their neighborhoods.
The conversation picked up after a social media post from Bullard warned residents about door-to-door activity. Several East Texas cities have different rules.
Solicitation rules by city
In Tyler, solicitors can knock Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and sunset. Bullard, Whitehouse, Kilgore, and Lindale require permits or have time restrictions.
Tyler Police Sgt. Andy Erbaugh said residents should decide for themselves what feels safe.
“You have to take that upon yourself to determine your level or what you think is safe,” Erbaugh said.
Erbaugh said homeowners have rights if someone becomes too persistent. A visible “no soliciting” or “no trespassing” sign can help. If someone refuses to leave after being told, residents can contact police.
“Most of your solicitors will have ID on them. They’ll have a name tag or a company or they’ll have a brochure or a card,” Erbaugh said.
It is unlawful for door-to-door sellers to knock if there is a no soliciting or no trespassing sign.
Greg Davis, owner of Davis Exterminating Services in Whitehouse, said his company does not use aggressive sales tactics.
“Pest control isn’t built like that. It’s built on respect and trust and dependability. You don’t have to force sell,” Davis said.
Davis said accountability starts with the companies themselves.
“One job at a time. One good job at a time. And then your clients start speaking for you. And that’s where we are now,” Davis said.
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