Common Central Texas Pest Identification Guide

Subterranean Termites

Cream to white, soft-bodied, and small (about 1/8 inch long). Workers are wingless. Swarmers have two pairs of equal wings, straight antennae, and a thick waist — key differences from flying ants. Look for mud tubes along the foundation.

Bark Scorpions

Tan to light brown, 2–3 inches long, with a slender tail curved over the body. Found under debris, in rock piles, and in dark areas of garages and bathrooms. The only medically significant scorpion species in Central Texas.

German Cockroaches

Light brown, about half an inch long, with two parallel dark stripes behind the head. The most problematic indoor roach species. Prefers warm, humid areas near food — kitchen cabinets, under appliances, in pantry areas.

Fire Ants

Red to dark red, 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. Build distinctive dome-shaped mounds in open turf, often after rain. Aggressive defenders — disturbing a mound triggers rapid swarming.

Roof Rats

Dark brown to black, 6–8 inches long (plus tail), sleek and agile. Excellent climbers — found in attics, along rooflines, and in trees. Different from the stockier Norway rat, which burrows at ground level.

Brown Recluse Spiders

Tan to brown, 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. Distinguished by a violin-shaped marking on the thorax. Found in undisturbed areas — inside stored boxes, behind furniture, under clutter. Rarely aggressive but can bite if trapped.

Common Confusions

Termite swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants — check the wing shape, waist, and antennae. Wolf spiders are often mistaken for brown recluse — wolf spiders are larger, hairier, and lack the violin mark. Smoky brown roaches (large, dark, perimeter species) are often confused with American roaches.

Frequently Asked Questions