Texas Porch

Wildlife / Stinging & biting bugs

Stinging & biting bugs.

Texas's most common "dangerous animals" are small. None of these should keep you inside - just know what to do.

The one that chases

Africanized ("killer") honey bees

Africanized ('killer') honey bees arrived in Texas in the fall of 1990 and are now established across much of the state. They look like ordinary honey bees, and their sting is no more venomous - but they defend their nest aggressively, in big numbers, and will chase you a long way.

  • Remember ACE: Alert others, Cover your face and head (without blocking your vision), and Exit fast into a car or building.
  • Run away from the bees; don't swat at them (it makes them worse), and don't jump in water - they'll wait for you to surface.
  • Many stings, or any trouble breathing, swelling, or hives, means call 911. People with known bee allergies should carry an epinephrine auto-injector.
  • Don't remove a hive yourself - call a licensed pest company or beekeeper. Seal wall holes, pipes, and meter boxes, and watch for ground nests before mowing.

Fire ants

Reddish, mound-building, invasive ants that grab on and sting all at once, leaving an itchy white pustule a day or two later. Stings hurt and can cause allergic reactions in some people (seek care for trouble breathing or widespread hives). Watch where kids play, and treat mounds with approved products.

Scorpions

The striped bark scorpion is the common Texas one. A sting hurts but is rarely dangerous - there are no scorpions in Texas considered lethal to people. They hide in woodpiles, under rocks, and in shoes and attics, so shake out shoes and clothes and seal gaps. (Fun fact: they glow under a UV flashlight.)

Two spiders worth knowing

Almost all Texas spiders are harmless and helpful. These two are shy and hide in dark, undisturbed spots (closets, garages, woodpiles, boxes), so check shoes, gloves, and stored clothing - and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if you're bitten.

Black widow

Shiny black with a reddish or yellowish hourglass underneath. Its bite is neurotoxic - get medical help if bitten.

Brown recluse

Golden brown with a violin-shaped mark behind the head. The bite may not hurt at first, but the venom can damage skin over time - get medical help if bitten.

Keep going

There's a snake

The other bite worry.

Snake help ->

Sick or strange animals

Diseases and what to avoid.

Know the signs ->

Around the house

Keeping pests out.

Get it handled ->

Wildlife hub

Back to the main guide.

Open the hub ->

Official sources

Insect and spider information comes from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas DSHS. For a bite or sting reaction, call the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222.

Data vintage:
Insect and spider info as reviewed June 2026
Last reviewed:
June 15, 2026

Caution: This is general information, not medical advice. For a serious reaction, call 911 or Poison Control.

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