Pests to know in Lubbock
Termites in Lubbock
Texas A&M AgriLife says the eastern subterranean termite is the termite Texas homeowners encounter most; drywood and Formosan termite problems are concentrated along the Gulf Coast, far from Lubbock.[6]
Pests local experts flag
- City of Lubbock Vector Control counts at least 27 mosquito species in Lubbock County and the surrounding South Plains.[1]
- After heavy rains, most active mosquitoes in Lubbock are floodwater species that are mainly a nuisance, and Vector Control treats standing water and sprays parks.[2]
- Elm leaf beetles go through three or more generations a year on the South Plains, and repeated heavy infestations can kill limbs or whole elm trees in Lubbock.[4]
Climate
Central Lubbock (ZIP 79401) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 7b, where the average coldest winter night is 5 to 10°F.[10]
Public agencies that handle pests
- West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis are the main mosquito-borne disease threats in the Lubbock area, according to City of Lubbock Vector Control.[1]
- Lubbock relies mainly on source reduction, including treating standing water in the city's extensive playa lake system, plus community education to prevent mosquito-borne disease.[1]
- Lubbock residents can report biting mosquitoes or a suspected breeding site to Vector Control online or by emailing vectorcontrol@mylubbock.us.[1]
- Texas DSHS says West Nile disease is most common in warmer months, though warmer parts of the state may see year-round risk.[9]
Local rules and responsibilities
- Lubbock's nuisance weed ordinance makes uncultivated vegetation over 8 inches tall a violation, and owners must mow from the front curb to the middle of the alley.[3]
- Lubbock property owners get seven days to mow after a weed citation; violations can be reported through 311, the MyLBK app, or the Weeds Hotline at 806-775-2290.[3]
Hiring a licensed company
In Texas, structural pest control applicators are licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture's Structural Pest Control Service, not by the City of Lubbock.[8]
Free local help
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Lubbock County, at 916 Main Street, Suite 401 (806-775-1740), runs the Lubbock Master Gardener program and publishes local horticulture and pest fact sheets.[5]
Through the year
- Spring
- Lubbock County Extension advises checking new elm leaves for beetle eggs and young larvae starting in April, or using systemic insecticides in late March or early April.[4]
- Spring
- Subterranean termite workers are active all year in Texas, but swarmers usually appear from March through April, typically in daylight.[7]
Sources
- City of Lubbock, “Vector Control.” mylubbock.us/departments/environmental-health/vector-control (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Lubbock, “Vector Control treating mosquito breeding sites.” ci.lubbock.tx.us/news/1559925052-vector-control-treating-mosquito-breeding-sites (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Lubbock, “City shares friendly reminder regarding nuisance weed ordinance.” ci.lubbock.tx.us/news/1664203742-city-shares-friendly-reminder-regarding-nuisance-weed-ordinance (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Lubbock County, “Elm Leaf Beetle.” agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Elm-Leaf-Beetle-Lubbock-County.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, “Lubbock County.” agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/counties/lubbock-county/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, “Termites & wood destroying insects.” citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/structural/termites/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, “What is a termite?.” citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/household/termites/ent-6002/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas Department of Agriculture, “Structural Pest Control.” texasagriculture.gov/Regulatory-Programs/Structural-Pest-Control (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas Department of State Health Services, “West Nile Virus.” www.dshs.texas.gov/west-nile-virus (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 79401 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/79401.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)