Nine common insects in Texas include mosquitoes, termites, kissing bugs, fire ants, hornets, Aloeus ox beetles, Haldeman’s Ironclad beetle, and cottonwood borer.
Texas is home to a huge range of insects. From mosquitoes to the Aloes Ox Beetle, these nine fascinating insects are all common in the state.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most unique Texas arthropods.
Most Common House Bugs in Texas
There are many house bugs that you’ll find inhabiting every nook and cranny of Texas homes.
Here are the three most common.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are one of the most common types of ants in Texas. They’re named after their habit of tunneling into the wood to build their nests. They can damage your home if they’re left unchecked.
These ants are black or dark brown and can be up to an inch long.
Termites
Termites are another common type of bug in Texas. These wood-destroying insects can cause serious damage to your home if they’re not treated. They are small, white insects that live in colonies underground.
If you see termites in your home, it’s important to call a professional pest control company as soon as possible.
Bedbugs
Bedbugs are another type of bug that can be found in Texas homes. These pests feed on human blood and can cause itching and swelling. Bedbugs are small, brown insects that hide in mattresses, furniture, and other cracks and crevices.
If you suspect you have bedbugs, it’s important to call a professional pest control company right away.
Other Common Texas Insects
There are many different types of insects that can be found in the state of Texas. Some of these insects are considered to be pests, while others are beneficial to humans and the environment.
Here are some of the most commonly found insects in Texas:
- Mosquitoes
- Termites
- Kissing Bugs
- Fire Ants
- Hornets
- Aloeus Ox Beetle
- Haldeman’s Ironclad Beetle
- Cottonwood Borer
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
1. Mosquitoes
| Scientific Name | Culicidae |
| Common Name | Mosquito |
| Animal Order | Diptera |
| Diet | Flower nectar, blood, fruit juices |
| Habitat | Lives near human-inhabited environment |
Mosquitoes are a type of fly found all over the world. In Texas, there are many different species of mosquitoes:
- The common house mosquito
- The yellow fever mosquito
- The Asian Tiger mosquito
Mosquitoes are known for their itchy bites, which can often lead to swelling and redness[1]. Some mosquitoes can also transmit diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.
In order to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, it is important to wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and to use mosquito repellent.
2. Termites
| Scientific Name | Isoptera |
| Common Name | Termite |
| Animal Order | Blattodea |
| Diet | Wood, grass, humus, leaves, materials originated from vegetation |
| Habitat | Dark, damp areas |
Termites are small, winged insects that are commonly found in warm climates. In Texas, there are three main types of termites:
- Drywood termites
- Subterranean termites
- Formosan termites
Drywood termites are the most common type of termite found in Texas. They typically live in dead or dying trees, stumps, or logs. These termites are attracted to wood that has a high moisture content.
Subterranean termites are the second most common type of termite found in Texas. They live in the soil and build nests in underground tunnels. These termites are attracted to wood that is in contact with the ground.
Formosan termites are the third most common type of termite found in Texas. They are originally from Asia and were introduced to the United States through shipping ports. Formosan termites are attracted to wood that is close to moisture, such as leaks in plumbing or damp crawl spaces.
3. Kissing Bugs
| Scientific Name | Triatominae |
| Common Name | Kissing Bug |
| Animal Order | Hemiptera |
| Diet | Vertebrate blood |
| Habitat | Indoor and outdoor spaces |
Kissing bugs (Triatominae) are a subfamily of Reduviidae and are insects known for their habit of feeding on the blood of mammals, reptiles, and sometimes birds.[2]
Most species of this subfamily are found in Central and South America, with a few species found in North America. In the United States, these bugs are most commonly found in the southern and southwestern states.
Kissing bugs get their name from their habit of feeding on the blood of mammals, reptiles, and sometimes birds.
In Texas, there are several species of kissing bugs, with the most common being the Conenose, or Triatoma, species.
4. Fire Ants
| Scientific Name | Solenopsis |
| Common Name | Fire Ant |
| Animal Order | Hymenoptera |
| Diet | Foods high in protein or rich in carbohydrates |
| Habitat | Mounds of mud and leaf litter |
There are many different types of ants found in Texas, but the most well-known and feared is the fire ant.
Fire ants are a type of stinging ant that can cause serious problems for both people and animals. If you’re not careful, fire ants can quickly take over your yard or home.
They are red or black in color and are about 1/8th of an inch long and get their name from the burning sensation their sting causes.
Fire ants usually build their nests in the ground, but they can also nest in trees, shrubs, or even inside your home.
5. Hornets
| Scientific Name | Vespa |
| Common Name | Hornet |
| Animal Order | Hymenoptera |
| Diet | Leaves and tree sap |
| Habitat | Woodlands, parklands, gardens |
Hornets are a type of wasp that are usually large and aggressive[3]. They are found in many parts of the world, but they are especially common in Texas.
There are several different types of hornets found in Texas:
- European hornets
- Asian giant hornets
- Japanese hornets
Hornets are important predators of other insects, and they play a vital role in the ecosystem. However, they can also be a nuisance to humans. These insects are known to build their nests in trees and shrubs, and they sometimes enter homes and other buildings in search of food.
6. Aloeus Ox Beetle
| Scientific Name | Strategus aloeus |
| Common Name | Aloeus Ox Beetle |
| Animal Order | Coleoptera |
| Diet | Any available fruits or leaves |
| Habitat | Forest grounds |
The Aloeus ox beetle (Aeolus sp.) is a member of the family Scarabaeidae, and is found in the southern United States.
It is a black beetle with yellowish-orange markings on its wing covers. The adult beetle is about 1/2 inch long. The larvae of this beetle are white grubs that live in the soil.
The Aloes Ox Beetle is attracted to light, and sometimes enters homes through open doors or windows. The beetle is not harmful to humans but can be a nuisance.
If you find one in your home, you can gently capture it and release it outside.
7. Haldeman’s Ironclad Beetle
| Scientific Name | Zopherus nodulosus |
| Common Name | Haldeman’s Ironclad Beetle |
| Animal Order | Coleoptera |
| Diet | Lichen and dead plant material |
| Habitat | Oak, Pecan, Elm trees |
The Haldeman’s Ironclad beetle is a species of insects belonging to the family Zopheridae. They are commonly found in Texas and other parts of the United States.
The adult insects measure about 1/2 inch in length, are dark brown, and their bodies are covered with small, fine hairs.
The antennae are long and thin, with three segments on each side. The head is small and round, with large, compound eyes. The mouthparts are located on the underside of the head and include a pair of chewing mandibles.
The larvae of this species are white or pale yellow in color and measure up to 1/2 inch in length. They have a dark brown head and three pairs of legs. Their bodies are cylindrical in shape and covered with small, fine hairs.
8. Cottonwood Borer
| Scientific Name | Plectodera scalator |
| Common Name | Cottonwood Borer |
| Animal Order | Coleoptera |
| Diet | New twig growth, leaf petioles, tender bark |
| Habitat | Willows, Cottonwood, poplars |
The cottonwood borer (Plectrodera scalator) is a type of long-horned beetle native to the United States.
The adult beetles are black with white stripes and have long antennae. The larvae are white with black spots and can be up to 2 inches long.
Cottonwood borers are attracted to trees that are already stressed or dying. Once they find a suitable host, the larvae bore into the tree and begin feeding on the inner bark. This feeding can eventually kill the tree.
They are commonly found in cottonwood trees (Populus spp.), but they have also been known to attack other trees such as willows (Salix spp.), aspens (Populus tremuloides), and maples (Acer spp.).
These pests are particularly prevalent in the southwestern United States, but they can be found in other parts of the country as well.
9. Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
| Scientific Name | Halyomorpha halys |
| Common Name | Brown Marmorated Stink Bug |
| Animal Order | Hemiptera |
| Diet | Host plants and fruits |
| Habitat | Tree bark, weeds, outdoor environment |
The Brown Marmorated Stink is a species of true bug that is native to Asia. It was first discovered in the United States in 1996 and has since become a major pest to both homes and businesses.
The adult bugs are approximately ¼ inch long, with a mottled brown and black coloration. They are most active in the spring and summer months when they congregate in large numbers on the exterior of buildings.
The Brown Marmorated Stink is most often found in urban areas, where it feeds on a variety of plants. However, it will also invade homes and businesses in search of food. Once inside, these bugs can be difficult to control. They emit a foul odor when disturbed, which can be very unpleasant for homeowners.
If you think you have a Brown Marmorated Stink infestation, it is best to contact a professional pest control company for assistance.
FAQs
What Are the Most Common Flying Insects in Texas?
Texas is home to a variety of insects, many of which can fly. While some flying insects are harmless, others can pose a serious threat to your health and your property. There are a few different types of flying insects that are commonly found in Texas. These include wasps, bees, hornets, and mosquitoes. Each type of insect has its unique characteristics and behaviors that you should be aware of.
Are There Any Black Bugs in Texas?
The short answer is yes, there are black bugs in Texas! In fact, there are several different types of black bugs that can be found in the Lone Star State, but gnats are the most common. Of course, not all black bugs are created equal. Some, like gnats, are more of a nuisance than anything else, while others, like termites, can actually cause serious damage to your home.
What Is the Most Common Wasp Species in Texas?
Many different species of wasps can be found in Texas. However, the most common wasp is the German Wasp. This species is often confused with bees because of their similar appearance. German Wasps are about 12 mm in length and are yellow and black in color. They are social insects that live in colonies of up to 4,000 individuals. German Wasps build their nests by chewing wood into a pulp that they use to construct the hexagonal cells of their nests.
