7 Most Dangerous Insects in Texas
About 30,000 insects make their homes in the state of Texas, and scientists say that the state might host the most diverse insect population in the US. Less than one percent of these insects, however, are considered to be dangerous to humans. Because it can be difficult to know which insects are dangerous and which are not, scientists recommend that you appreciate and respect Texas insects with your eyes and not with your hands. Just in case you encounter one of them, we will discuss seven of the most dangerous insects in the Lone Star State.
Southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans)
Known for its black and red coloring, the Southern black widow is found throughout the southeastern US and in most parts of Texas. In addition to their distinctive coloring, Southern black widows are recognized by their shiny, black, bulging bodies with a red hourglass figure on the underside of their abdomens. They are commonly found in dark, protected areas, such as under wood piles and in crawlspace.
Although both sexes are venomous, the female Southern black widow's venom is toxic. Her bite can cause swelling, pain, and anxiety in humans. If bitten by a female Southern black widow, contact Poison Control immediately and go to the emergency room or urgent care if directed to do so. As the male Southern black widow's venom is weaker and less of it is injected into humans when bitten, their bites are usually not of concern. Bites from Southern black widows are usually not life-threatening, except in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
How can you tell the difference between a male and a female, you may ask? As juveniles, the two are almost identical and are lighter in color. As they grow, females become a glossier black color, and the red hourglass figure is clearly visible on the abdomen. Males may mature to become brown or dark gray and have a fainter hourglass figure on their abdomen. Females are about a half-inch long, while males may be just a quarter-inch in length. Just be mindful that if a female Southern black widow feels threatened or is accidentally stepped on, it might bite.
Brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa)
The brown recluse spider can be found throughout Texas, indoors and outdoors. One of the most feared spiders in the US, it is a smaller, brownish-yellow spider, about a quarter-inch to a half-inch long. Its distinguishing feature is a dark mark on its back, shaped like a violin. This will be most obvious in the adult brown recluse but may be fainter in younger brown recluse spiders. Brown recluse spiders are found in sheltered, protected areas both inside and out, such as under stored clothing, in trunks, and under wood piles and rocks.
Although female brown recluse spiders are more likely to bite humans than males, both spiders are equally venomous and dangerous. Once bitten, a person will notice swelling and, within a few hours, will develop a necrotic lesion with a dark center surrounded by red, inflamed tissue. Anxiety, pain, and difficulty breathing mandate a call to Poison Control. If directed to go to urgent care or the emergency room, place the spider in a secure container, if possible, to take with you. It is unusual for a brown recluse bite to be life-threatening, but a bite can cause other complications, such as infection, which could be life-threatening.
Male and female brown recluse spiders look almost identical, as both are brownish-yellow and smaller in size. As the venom from either sex is just as toxic, it doesn't really matter if you know which sex has bitten you. Females are usually a bit larger and more likely to bite humans, especially if they are disturbed in their web. Males tend to avoid humans and spend most of their time looking for food and mates instead.
Aedes mosquito (Aedes albopictus)
Also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes mosquitos are black and white mosquitos known to carry and transmit diseases ranging from malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and encephalitis. They were first found in the Houston, Texas, area in 1985. Aedes mosquitos make their habitats in yards and wooded areas, as well as tree holes and artificial containers. Aedes mosquitos are characterized by their black-and-white appearance, with a white stripe on the head and thorax. They tend to bite humans the most during the daytime, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon hours. In addition to humans, these mosquitos bite dogs, rabbits, livestock, and other mammals. If bitten by an Aedes mosquito, you could get dengue fever. Symptoms may not be apparent but may include headache, fever, nausea, and a rash. This can be life-threatening if not addressed immediately.
Adult female Aedes mosquitos are the ones that bite humans and animals, as they need blood in order to be able to produce eggs. It is impossible to tell the difference between a male and a female Aedes mosquito, so be mindful of all mosquitos and take precautions. The best way to control a population of mosquitos and, therefore, prevent bites, is to empty containers that hold water, limit your outdoor activities during dawn and dusk (or, for the Aedes mosquito, during early morning and late afternoon), and use personal protection, such as long sleeves, long pants, and insect repellant (DEET is most effective against mosquitos).
Africanized bees (Mellifrea scutellata)
Also known as Africanized honey bees or killer bees, Africanized bees were first noted in Texas in 2006, being found in 163 of the state's 254 counties. They were introduced into Brazil in 1956 and have since worked their way up to the southern US. With their black and yellow markings, they resemble European honey bees and tend to be found in unused barbecue pits, trash cans, the eaves of buildings, and hollow tree stumps.
When these bees feel threatened or feel the need to protect their home, females (which are the only gender that stings) are more likely to be aggressive and attack humans. The sting from an individual Africanized honey bee feels the same as from other bees, and is not more powerful or painful. The real danger from Africanized honey bees is that they tend to attack humans in greater numbers than other bees. They are called "killer bees" because you are more likely to be stung by hundreds o`f them at once. If you are stung, run away from the swarm of bees as quickly as possible. When you are safely away, remove the stingers from all the bees that have stung you by scraping them sideways with a dull knife. Don't use fingers or tweezers to pull them out, as this can squeeze more venom into the sting. Unless you are allergic to bees or begin to feel ill, you should not need medical attention, but their stings can be life-threatening to those who are allergic or have trouble escaping a swarm.
To prevent bees of any type from settling in your home or outdoor areas, make sure holes and crevices are filled or covered. Remove trash or debris, as it can make a shelter for bees. Get rid of any standing water that may attract them, or place pine-scented liquid cleaner in the water to deter them.
Kissing bugs (Triatoma sanguisuga, Triatoma gerstacekeri, Triatoma protracta)
Another nocturnal insect, three species of the kissing bug, can be found in Texas and 28 other states. Also called assassin bugs, they are long, dark brown or black, and have no wings. They may have red or orange bands on their abdomen. These bugs can be from a half to an inch and a quarter long. Kissing bugs hide in the daytime in dark areas of homes, preferring cracks in the walls and ceiling.
While their bite can be a bit painful, it is more dangerous because it can transmit a parasite that causes Chagas disease. About half of all Kissing Bugs in Texas are infected with this parasite. The parasite is not transmitted during a bite but rather by the feces of the kissing bug and can get into the skin if a human scratches the bite. It can be difficult to diagnose Chagas disease, as its symptoms can easily be mistaken for other diseases or illnesses. The acute phase of Chagas disease can last for weeks or months, with a person having fever, tiredness, nausea, headache, loss of appetite, or vomiting. The chronic phase, occurring after the parasite has fully entered the body, can take years to develop and may cause heart problems. If you are bitten by a kissing bug, clean the affected area thoroughly, and don't scratch or touch your mouth or eye. If you suspect you have Chagas disease, talk to your doctor. Chagas disease can be life-threatening.
Immature kissing bugs don't have wings but may still bite and transmit Chagas disease. Female kissing bugs are usually larger than males, but either sex is just as likely to bite humans, and they are equally toxic and equally as likely to carry the parasite causing Chagas disease. Chagas disease can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby, and also through blood donations, organ donations, and food or drink that has been contaminated with kissing bug feces.
Asp caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis)
The asp caterpillar is the larval stage of the Southern Flannel Moth. A venomous caterpillar, it is found in garden plants and trees such as elms and oaks in Texas. It is about an inch and a half long, light brown to gray in color, and may look deceptively soft, but its fuzzy hairs are actually venomous spines that irritate human skin if encountered. The asp caterpillar likes to live near shaded trees, shrubbery, and wooded areas and is active in spring and fall. If stung by an asp caterpillar, you might experience pain, redness, and swelling. While pain can last for a few hours, medical treatment is not usually needed. Put a piece of tape over the bite and pull it off to remove venomous spines. Call Poison Control if you are in doubt. If you typically have extreme reactions to insect bites, a bite from this insect could be life-threatening.
It doesn't really matter if you can tell male and female asp caterpillars apart, as female and male asp caterpillars are equally likely to sting humans. Males tend to be whitish-brownish with few markings. Females are darker and have more markings on their bodies. The antennae of the males are feather-like, while females have thinner antennae. Just remember, not all caterpillars are cute, fuzzy, and safe to touch!
Eastern velvet ant (Dasymutilla occidentalis)
A species of parasitoid wasp, the Eastern velvet ant of Texas has a velvet-like, furry appearance and may be up to an inch long. It is also referred to as the cow-killer ant, but it is not really an ant. This "ant" belongs to a specialized group of insects in the wasp family and is prevalent in Texas during the summertime. The ant is distinguished by its brown or black body with red, yellow, or orange rings. Walking barefoot, you might accidentally encounter an Eastern velvet ant and be stung. Females, who are wingless and larger than males, can cause painful bites to humans (and to cows or mules, which accounts for the "cow killer" reference), but medical attention is usually not needed. Clean the stung area and use ice packs and pain relievers for swelling or redness, as needed. If you have trouble breathing or any other serious symptoms, get medical attention immediately. Eastern velvet ant stings are not usually life-threatening to humans.
Velvet ants travel alone, so it is unlikely that a person will be stung multiple times. Younger ants are more brightly colored than older ants. Typically, only female adult velvet ants will sting humans and only if disturbed or threatened. Male velvet ants have wings, and, as mentioned above, females, who are larger, do not. Males look more like wasps, while females may be confused for ants.
Appreciating Texas Bugs Safely
A myriad of insects can be found in Texas, and only a small percentage of them are dangerous to humans. However, it is always a good idea to observe these insects and be mindful of them but not try to touch them. Avoiding physical contact not only protects these small creatures from harm but also keeps you safe from potential stings, bites, or allergic reactions. Your curiosity can still be sated as you explore the miniature world of Texas insects while leaving their habitats undisturbed.
