Pests to know in El Paso
Termites in El Paso
According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, the eastern subterranean termite is the termite Texas homeowners encounter most often; drywood and Formosan termites are problems mainly along the Gulf coast.[7]
Invasive species reported here
AgriLife Extension's El Paso IPM program reported that red imported fire ants had been confirmed in El Paso County.[6]
Pests local experts flag
- Kissing bugs (triatomines), which can spread Chagas disease, live in all regions of Texas, though Texas-acquired human cases are uncommon, according to DSHS.[3]
- AgriLife's El Paso IPM program tracks pecan nut casebearer moths and pecan aphids in local orchards, including the first moth captures each season in the El Paso Lower Valley.[6]
Climate
Central El Paso (ZIP 79901) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8b, where the average coldest winter night is 15 to 20°F.[8]
Public agencies that handle pests
- El Paso's Vector Control Program controls mosquitoes, handles stagnant water complaints and confirms possible rodent and some insect infestations, such as ticks and fleas (not bees).[1]
- El Paso Vector Control traps and tests mosquitoes for disease, treats and monitors canals, ditches and reservoirs, and fogs public right-of-ways, including in surrounding municipalities.[1]
- Texas DSHS says plague has been found in the western two-thirds of Texas, where squirrels, prairie dogs, rabbits, rats and mice live. Large die-offs should be reported to local health officials.[2]
Local rules and responsibilities
El Paso Municipal Code 9.04.670 makes it unlawful to dump solid or hazardous waste, including used tires, on vacant lots and other non-permitted areas.[1]
Hiring a licensed company
In Texas, pest control in and around structures is licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture's Structural Pest Control Service.[5]
Free local help
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension's Integrated Pest Management agent serves both agricultural and urban clients in El Paso County and Hudspeth County.[6]
Through the year
- Spring
- West Nile disease in Texas is more common in the warmer months, but DSHS warns there may be year-round risk in warmer parts of the state.[4]
- Summer
- AgriLife's El Paso IPM newsletter noted that monsoon-season rains increased the activity of ants, termites, flea beetles, June beetles and ground beetles in the region.[6]
Sources
- City of El Paso Code Enforcement Department, “Code Enforcement.” www.elpasotexas.gov/code-enforcement (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas Department of State Health Services, “Plague (Yersinia pestis).” www.dshs.texas.gov/notifiable-conditions/zoonosis-control/zoonosis-control-diseases-and-conditions/plague-yersinia-pestis (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas Department of State Health Services, “Chagas Disease.” www.dshs.texas.gov/notifiable-conditions/zoonosis-control/zoonosis-control-diseases-and-conditions/chagas-disease (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas Department of State Health Services, “West Nile Virus.” www.dshs.texas.gov/west-nile-virus (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas Department of Agriculture, “Structural Pest Control.” www.texasagriculture.gov/Regulatory-Programs/Structural-Pest-Control (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, El Paso County, “Integrated Pest Management.” elp.tamu.edu/ipm/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, “Termites & wood destroying insects.” citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/structural/termites/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 79901 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/79901.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)