Common Texas Pests and How to Prevent Them
Texas’s warm climate makes it home to a wide variety of pests. Knowing what you’re dealing with is the first step to keeping your home pest-free. Here are the most common Texas pests and how to prevent them.
Fire Ants
Fire ants are aggressive, their stings are painful, and they’re everywhere in Texas.
Identification:
- Reddish-brown color
- Mounds of loose soil (no visible entrance hole)
- Aggressive when disturbed
Prevention:
- Treat mounds as soon as they appear
- Keep yard free of debris where colonies can establish
- Professional barrier treatments around your home’s perimeter
Why they’re dangerous: Fire ant stings can cause severe allergic reactions in some people.
Mosquitoes
Texas mosquitoes aren’t just annoying—they can carry diseases like West Nile virus and Zika.
Prevention:
- Eliminate standing water (plant saucers, birdbaths, clogged gutters)
- Keep grass trimmed
- Use screens on windows and doors
- Professional mosquito treatments during peak season
Peak season: March through November, worst after rain
Termites
Termites cause billions in damage annually, and Texas’s climate is ideal for them.
Warning signs:
- Mud tubes on foundation walls
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Discarded wings near windows
- Bubbling or peeling paint
Prevention:
- Annual termite inspections
- Fix moisture problems (leaky pipes, poor drainage)
- Keep wood debris away from foundation
- Maintain gap between soil and wood siding
Why act fast: By the time you see signs, damage may already be extensive.
Cockroaches
Texas has several cockroach species, with American cockroaches (water bugs) and German cockroaches being most common.
Prevention:
- Seal cracks and gaps around pipes and doors
- Fix moisture issues
- Store food in sealed containers
- Take garbage out regularly
- Don’t leave pet food out overnight
Health concerns: Cockroaches spread bacteria and can trigger asthma and allergies.
Scorpions
Striped bark scorpions are common in Central Texas, especially in newer developments near natural areas.
Prevention:
- Seal entry points around doors, windows, and pipes
- Remove debris and woodpiles near your home
- Shake out shoes and clothing stored in garages
- Use yellow outdoor lighting (attracts fewer insects they eat)
Sting severity: Painful but rarely dangerous for healthy adults; more serious for children and elderly.
Spiders
Most Texas spiders are harmless, but black widows and brown recluses can be dangerous.
Identification:
- Black widow: Shiny black with red hourglass marking
- Brown recluse: Brown with violin-shaped marking on back
Prevention:
- Reduce clutter where spiders hide
- Seal cracks and crevices
- Wear gloves when moving stored items
- Regular pest control reduces their food source (other insects)
Rodents
Mice and rats seek shelter in homes, especially as temperatures change.
Warning signs:
- Droppings
- Gnaw marks
- Scratching sounds in walls
- Nests in hidden areas
Prevention:
- Seal openings larger than a quarter inch
- Store food properly
- Keep areas clean and clutter-free
- Trim vegetation away from your home
Why they’re dangerous: Rodents spread disease, damage wiring (fire hazard), and contaminate food.
When to Call a Professional
DIY pest control has limits. Call a professional when:
- Infestation is established
- You see signs of termites
- Venomous pests are present
- Problem keeps recurring
- You’re unsure what you’re dealing with
Year-Round Protection
The best pest control is prevention. Contact Cedar Park Pest Control for a free inspection and customized treatment plan. Our quarterly treatments create a barrier that keeps pests out year-round.
Don’t wait for an infestation—protect your home now.