Pests to know in Tyler
Termites in Tyler
Texas A&M says the eastern subterranean termite is the species Texas homeowners encounter most, while drywood and Formosan termites also affect some homes, especially along the Gulf Coast.[6]
Invasive species reported here
The emerald ash borer was first detected in Texas in Harrison County in 2016, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.[10]
Pests local experts flag
Texas A&M says the Texas leafcutting ant occurs in the eastern half of Texas and west-central Louisiana.[11]
Climate
Central Tyler (ZIP 75702) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8b, where the average coldest winter night is 15 to 20°F.[12]
Public agencies that handle pests
- City of Tyler mosquito control includes capturing mosquitoes and testing them for viral identification.[1]
- NET Health, based in Tyler, accepts public complaints about pest infestations or vermin through its general environmental health complaint form.[3]
- The Texas DSHS Region 4/5 North zoonosis control office in Tyler conducts surveillance of animal-borne diseases and inspects and licenses animal rabies quarantine facilities.[4]
- Texas DSHS says West Nile disease is more common in warmer months, but warmer parts of the state may carry year-round risk.[5]
Local rules and responsibilities
Hiring a licensed company
The Texas Department of Agriculture's Structural Pest Control Service licenses applicators who apply pesticides in and around structures.[9]
Free local help
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Smith County traces its roots to 1906, when it hired the first U.S. county agent to serve only one county.[8]
Through the year
- Spring
- In Texas, subterranean termite swarmers usually appear from March through April, and eastern subterranean termites typically swarm in daylight.[7]
Sources
- City of Tyler, “Animal Control.” www.cityoftyler.org/Resident-Services/Animal-Services/Animal-Control (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Tyler, “Code Enforcement.” www.cityoftyler.org/Safety-Court/Code-Enforcement (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health), “File a Complaint.” www.mynethealth.org/departments/environmental-health/file-a-complaint/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas Department of State Health Services, “Zoonosis Control - Public Health Region 4/5N.” www.dshs.texas.gov/regional-local-health-operations/texas-public-health-region-4-5-north/programs/zoonosis-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)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, “Termites (Citybugs).” citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/household/termites/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, “Subterranean Termites (ENT-6002).” citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/household/termites/ent-6002/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, “Smith County.” agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/counties/smith-county/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas Department of Agriculture, “Structural Pest Control.” texasagriculture.gov/Regulatory-Programs/Structural-Pest-Control (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas A&M Forest Service, “Emerald Ash Borer.” tfsweb.tamu.edu/trees/invasive-species/invasive-insects/emerald-ash-borer/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, “History of the Red Imported Fire Ant.” fireant.tamu.edu/learn/history-of-the-red-imported-fire-ant/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 75702 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/75702.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)