5 Most Common Bugs in Texas

Mosquitoes | 85 different species

To put it lightly, mosquitoes are awful blood-sucking creatures that make a meal out of us humans. Even worse they’re the most prolific carriers of disease in history. Mosquitoes need water to breed and, although non-Texans believe that the state is a big dessert, there is plenty of standing water and humidity to bring about a swarm. A total of 85 different species have been identified throughout the Lone Star State – including Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus which have been known to carry diseases like yellow fever, dengue fever and chikungunya.

Mosquito Infestation and Attack

Mosquitoes are found in Texas year round, but become more prevalent in spring and summer. They are most active between dusk and dawn. Check out the distribution of each mosquito species as mapped by The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Prevention or Solutions

• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by reducing the amount of standing water around your home.
• Use citronella candles. These can help create relief in outside areas like patios for a short time.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing when outside. If you opt to use mosquito repellents, apply to clothing and exposed skin according to the instructions on the label. Once indoors, wash any treated skin with soap and water.
• Repair plumbing leaks like leaky faucets and outdoor pipes.
• Since heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, use heartworm medication in conjunction with the repellants for your pets.

Ants | Over 200 species

Carpenter ants, sugar ants – you name it – they are everywhere. But not all ants are created equal- case in point: Fire ants. These are true pests, with very few natural enemies throughout the country. Hundreds of ant species call Texas their home, but most are not nearly as destructive to be considered pests seriously. In fact, some ant species like the Dorymyrmex (Pyramid Ant) are at constant competition with fire ants and may even be of help to humans in the war against those 6-legged little devils.

Infestation and Attack

Fire ants prefer open, sunny areas such as lawns, pastures, and parks. They are most prevalent in spring and fall. Fire ants do not injure turf grass, but their mounds can become unsightly. Ants are aggressive and cause painful stings. If you ever find yourself asking “what kind of ant is this?”

Cockroaches | 38 Species

Like ants, not all roaches are created equal. There are several different kinds of cockroaches, and their ideal home is along the Texas Gulf Coast. They thrive in humid, semi-tropical areas. Roaches tend to be a bit alarming to most due to the fact that they live off of the things we do. Our homes give them the food, water and shelter they need to survive. Fortunately, there are no known poisonous roaches in Texas, but they can spread disease and their populations can multiply overnight.

Scorpions | 18 species

Scorpions are one of the most frightening pests, and Texas is home to 20 different species of them. These insects are nocturnal and pose a serious threat when they are disturbed. They hide in dark places to conserve moisture and regulate body temperature. Although their stings are usually not deadly, it isn’t something that you would want to endure. There is no way to completely avoid these critters in your home but having the house sprayed by a pest control company regularly can help keep them away.

Spiders | 980 species

If you’ve ever lived in Texas, you have probably had a fear of spiders. Even though most spiders are more helpful than harmful, there are reasons why this critter can cause a serious fright. While all spiders have venom, brown recluse spiders and black widow spiders are the top two dangerous spiders in Texas. Although rare, a bite from one of these creepy crawlers is certainly unpleasant. Recluse and widow spiders are worth keeping an eye out for.