Texas faces a significant ecological and economic challenge from a range of invasive species that have established themselves across the state. These organisms, introduced through trade, travel, and changing climate conditions, are causing damage to agriculture, native wildlife, and public health. The following is a summary of seven species of particular concern to Texas officials and researchers.

The kissing bug, an insect that feeds on blood, transmits a parasite that can cause Chagas disease. The disease can remain dormant for years before potentially leading to serious heart complications. The insects have established populations in more than half of Texas counties, with the state health department working with Texas A&M to track their spread. An estimated one in five kissing bugs in Texas carries the parasite, and local blood banks screen donations for infection. Rural residents are considered at higher risk due to proximity to livestock areas. There is currently no vaccine, and treatment is most effective in the early stages of infection.

Burmese pythons, large snakes native to Southeast Asia, have been found in the wild in Texas, largely due to releases or escapes from the exotic pet trade. Recent incidents include a 15-foot python removed from a neighborhood in Garland and an 11-foot python found in a suburban canal. The snakes can lay more than 80 eggs at a time and have few natural predators. Texas Parks and Wildlife has launched prevention efforts, including pet amnesty days and DNA testing of captured snakes to trace their origins. Florida has dealt with a larger python problem, with an estimated 150,000 snakes in the Everglades having reduced populations of local mammals.

Asian tiger mosquitoes, identifiable by their black and white striped legs, arrived in the United States in shipments of used tires from Asia in the 1980s. Unlike many native mosquitoes, this species feeds during the day and can breed in very small amounts of standing water. They are capable of transmitting viruses including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, which were once rare in the U.S. The insects are now present in nearly every major metropolitan area of Texas, and cities spend millions on control measures. Researchers are monitoring their DNA to track resistance to pesticides.

Asian carp, originally imported for use in fish farms, have spread through the Mississippi River system and are moving toward Texas through the Red River. These fish consume plankton, competing with native species for food. When startled by boat engines, they can leap high out of the water, creating hazards for boaters. DNA testing has confirmed traces of carp in waterways along the Texas border. States further north have constructed electric fences and sound barriers to slow their movement. Texas lacks similar infrastructure along its major rivers, though researchers are exploring prevention programs.

The Portuguese man o’ war, a colonial organism often mistaken for a jellyfish, is appearing more frequently along the Texas coast. Their tentacles can extend more than 30 feet below the surface and deliver a painful sting. Seasonal wind patterns and warmer water temperatures are pushing them closer to shore. In 2024, a cluster of them led to beach closures after dozens of swimmers were stung in one weekend. Coastal communities feel economic effects when beaches are closed during tourist season. Scientists are monitoring currents to better predict these arrivals.

Feral hogs, descended from domestic pigs and imported wild boars, are estimated to number around 3 million in Texas, more than in any other state. A single sow can produce up to two litters per year, and their population can double in less than a year under favorable conditions. They cause an estimated $500 million in damage annually by rooting through farmland and muddying water sources. Control efforts include thermal-imaging helicopter hunts, smart traps, and research into sterilization methods. Their ability to learn and adapt has made eradication difficult, and their population continues to grow.

Africanized honeybees, a hybrid of African and European honeybee species, arrived in Texas from South America in 1990, having spread through Central America and Mexico. They are more defensive than domestic honeybees and can respond to disturbances by releasing thousands of attackers. Their venom is no stronger than other bees, but the volume of stings can be dangerous. First responders across the state now train for swarm incidents, and state researchers work with beekeepers to breed gentler strains. Despite their aggressive temperament, they remain important pollinators for agriculture.