Texas summers mean long days, backyard barbecues, and time spent enjoying the outdoors. But along with the sunshine come some less-welcome guests: biting, stinging, and sometimes dangerous insects.
Whether you're in Dallas, Austin, Houston, or out in the Hill Country, here are some of the top summer insects to be careful of in Texas—and tips on avoiding them.
1. Mosquitoes
These buzzing pests are more than just an annoyance. Mosquitoes in Texas can carry West Nile virus, dengue, and other diseases.
Where you'll find them: Standing water (puddles, birdbaths, clogged gutters), shaded and humid areas.
Prevention tips:
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Use insect repellent with DEET or picaridin.
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Remove standing water around your home.
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Wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn.
2. Fire Ants
Fire ants are infamous for their aggressive stings, which can cause painful welts and even allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Where you'll find them: Lawns, parks, hiking trails, mounds in sunny open areas.
Prevention tips:
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Watch for mounds before sitting or stepping.
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Treat your yard with fire ant bait or contact a pest control service.
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Wear closed-toe shoes when hiking or gardening.
3. Wasps and Hornets
These stinging insects become very active in summer, especially around outdoor food.
Where you'll find them: Eaves, sheds, decks, bushes.
Prevention tips:
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Seal trash cans tightly.
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Avoid leaving sugary drinks and food uncovered outside.
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Check for nests and remove them safely (or call a professional).
4. Ticks
Ticks aren’t insects (they’re arachnids), but they deserve mention because they can carry Lyme disease and other infections.
Where you'll find them: Grassy fields, wooded areas, brush piles.
Prevention tips:
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Use insect repellent with 20–30% DEET.
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Wear long pants and tuck them into socks.
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Check yourself, kids, and pets after outdoor activities.
5. Spiders (including Black Widows and Brown Recluses)
Texas is home to venomous spiders like the black widow and brown recluse. Their bites can be serious.
Where you'll find them: Woodpiles, sheds, garages, dark undisturbed corners.
Prevention tips:
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Wear gloves when working outdoors.
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Shake out shoes and clothing stored in garages or sheds.
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Seal cracks around doors and windows.
6. Chiggers
These tiny mites can leave incredibly itchy bites that last for days.
Where you'll find them: Tall grasses, brushy areas, the edges of wooded trails.
Prevention tips:
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Wear long pants and tuck them into socks.
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Use repellent with DEET or permethrin-treated clothing.
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Shower promptly after returning indoors.
7. Scorpions
Texas scorpions deliver a painful sting, which can be especially worrisome for kids and pets.
Where you'll find them: Under rocks, logs, woodpiles, inside shoes left outside.
Prevention tips:
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Keep woodpiles away from your home.
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Seal gaps and cracks around doors.
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Shake out shoes and clothing left outside.
Final Thoughts
While these insects and arachnids can be a nuisance—or worse—a few simple precautions can make your summer in Texas much more enjoyable.
✅ Keep your yard tidy and free of standing water.
✅ Use effective insect repellents.
✅ Be vigilant about checking for ticks, spiders, and scorpions.
Respect Texas’ wildlife, and it will respect you (most of the time). Stay safe, and enjoy everything summer has to offer!
Got Insects?
If you think that you have a wildlife or pest infestation problem, don't hesitate to reach out to Wildlife x Team International by calling us at 855-WILDLIFE or by visiting www.wildlifexteam.com for more information.