Common Pests in Texas

18 common pests found across the Lone Star State

Texas's warm climate, high humidity along the Gulf Coast, and vast geographic diversity create ideal conditions for a wide range of pests. From subterranean termites causing billions in structural damage to fire ants colonizing every county in the state, pest pressure in Texas is year-round and region-specific.

Understanding which pests are active in your area — and when they peak — is the first step toward effective control. Below you will find detailed guides on the most common pests in Texas, including identification tips, health risks, treatment options, cost estimates, and prevention strategies. Whether you need general pest control, termite treatment, or wildlife removal, our guides link directly to licensed providers verified through the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) TPCL licensing database.

Texas pest activity follows a seasonal pattern. Spring (March–May) brings termite swarms, fire ant mound activity, and mosquito hatches as temperatures climb. Summer (June–August) is peak season for scorpions in the Hill Country around Austin, wasps nesting under eaves, and flea-and-tick season for pet owners. Fall sees rodents moving indoors as nights cool, while Gulf Coast cities like Houston and Corpus Christi deal with mosquitoes and cockroaches well into November. Even winter brings challenges — South Texas remains active year-round, and Dallas–Fort Worth homeowners often discover rodent infestations during the coldest months.

Termites in Texas

Termites

Cause billions in property damage annually across Texas

Termite Treatment

Cockroaches in Texas

Cockroaches

Thrive in Texas heat, trigger asthma, and spread disease

Pest Control

Ants & Fire Ants in Texas

Ants & Fire Ants

Found in every Texas county, aggressive stingers

Pest Control

Mosquitoes in Texas

Mosquitoes

Carry West Nile and Zika, active year-round in South Texas

Pest Control

Bed Bugs in Texas

Bed Bugs

Spread through travel, hard to eliminate without professionals

Pest Control

Rodents in Texas

Rodents

Mice and rats seeking shelter, contaminate food and gnaw wiring

Wildlife Removal

Spiders in Texas

Spiders

Brown recluse and black widow found across Texas

Pest Control

Scorpions in Texas

Scorpions

Common in Hill Country and West Texas, painful stings

Pest Control

Wasps & Hornets in Texas

Wasps & Hornets

Aggressive when nests are disturbed, build near homes

Pest Control

Fleas & Ticks in Texas

Fleas & Ticks

Affect pets and humans, carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Pest Control

Snakes in Texas

Snakes

Four venomous species in Texas including rattlesnakes and copperheads

Wildlife Removal

Brown Recluse Spider in Texas

Brown Recluse Spider

Venomous spider found across Texas, bites cause necrotic wounds

Pest Control

Palmetto Bugs & Water Bugs in Texas

Palmetto Bugs & Water Bugs

Texas slang for large cockroaches — palmetto bugs, water bugs, and roaches

Pest Control

Black Widow Spider in Texas

Black Widow Spider

Venomous spider with neurotoxic venom, common across Texas

Pest Control

Possums (Opossums) in Texas

Possums (Opossums)

Common Texas wildlife — opossums invade attics, garages, and yards

Wildlife Removal

Squirrels in Texas

Squirrels

Attic invaders that chew wiring and insulation across Texas homes

Wildlife Removal

Raccoons in Texas

Raccoons

Nocturnal trash pandas that invade attics, spread rabies and cause property damage

Wildlife Removal

Fire Ants in Texas

Fire Ants

Invasive red imported fire ants — aggressive stingers found in every Texas county

Pest Control

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Pests