Pests to know in Laredo
Termites in Laredo
Texas A&M AgriLife entomologists say drywood termites are a common pest along the Gulf coast and in the more southerly parts of Texas, and they are treated differently from subterranean termites.[8]
Invasive species reported here
The Texas Animal Health Commission requires that deer, nilgai, or other wildlife hunted in a fever tick quarantined area be inspected before moving, and lists a Webb County inspection request line.[7]
Pests local experts flag
- Texas DSHS reports that South Texas canine rabies cases dropped after its oral rabies vaccination program began, and that the 2001 and 2004 cases were both in Webb County.[5]
- Texas A&M's kissing bug lab says Triatoma gerstaeckeri is found mainly in south and west Texas, and 63% of the 897 it tested carried the Chagas disease parasite.[6]
Climate
Central Laredo (ZIP 78040) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 9b, where the average coldest winter night is 25 to 30°F.[12]
Public agencies that handle pests
- The City of Laredo Health Department notes that West Nile mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, while mosquitoes carrying dengue, chikungunya, and Zika are more active during the day.[1]
- Laredo's health department tells residents to drain or treat gutters, storm drains, and other spots that collect water, since mosquito larvae and pupae develop in standing water.[1]
- Laredo's Environmental Health Services division runs the city's Integrated Vector Control Program alongside its smoking, tire shop, and tattoo parlor regulation duties.[2]
- A Laredo Public Health Department epidemiology report explains that West Nile virus reaches people mainly through bites of infected mosquitoes, chiefly Culex species.[3]
- Texas DSHS urges people living along the Texas-Mexico border to stay alert for Zika and to guard against mosquito breeding and bites year-round.[4]
Hiring a licensed company
The Texas Department of Agriculture requires a license for anyone in the pest control business, from one-person companies to large national franchises.[11]
Free local help
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Webb County offers certification and continuing education for the safe, legal use of agricultural and structural pesticides.[10]
- The Webb County AgriLife Extension office supports new and experienced beekeepers with guidance on hive management, pollinator health, and honey production.[10]
Through the year
- Winter
- Texas A&M urban entomologists report that native subterranean termite swarming starts in South Texas in January and February.[9]
Sources
- City of Laredo Health Department, “Vector Control / Mosquito Information.” www.cityoflaredo.com/departments/health-department/services/environmental-health/vector-control-mosquito-information (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Laredo Health Department, “Health Department Directory.” www.cityoflaredo.com/departments/health-department/about/directory (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Laredo Public Health Department, “Epidemiology Report.” cityoflaredo.com/home/showpublisheddocument/16922/638645811524970000 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas Department of State Health Services, “Zika Virus.” www.dshs.texas.gov/zika-virus (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas Department of State Health Services, “Oral Rabies Vaccination Program Summary.” www.dshs.texas.gov/rabies/oral-rabies-vaccination-program-orvp/summary (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas A&M University Kissing Bug Lab, “Kissing Bug Resources.” kissingbug.tamu.edu/resources/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas Animal Health Commission, “Fever Ticks & Pests.” www.tahc.texas.gov/animal_health/feverticks-pests/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension (Citybugs), “Termites and Other Wood Destroying Insects.” citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/household/termites/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas A&M Center for Urban & Structural Entomology, “Native Subterranean Termites.” urbanentomology.tamu.edu/urban-pests/termites/native/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, “Webb County.” agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/counties/webb-county/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas Department of Agriculture, “Structural Pest Control Consumer Information.” texasagriculture.gov/Regulatory-Programs/Pesticides/Structural-Pest-Control-Service/Structural-Pest-Control-Consumer-Information (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 78040 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/78040.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)