Snakes to Look Out
for in Texas
 |
| Cottonmouth |
Cottonmouth
A cottonmouth snake
can reach lengths of up to five feet long. Commonly called a water moccasin,
these snakes enjoy being near bodies of water and are usually are dark black
color with wide bands on its body. This type of snake can be aggressive so keep
your eyes open when playing by lakes, ponds and rivers.
Rattlesnake
 |
| Western Diamondback Rattlesnake |
The Western
Diamondback rattlesnake is one of the most common snakes you will find in
Texas. It can reach lengths of up to seven feet and has a triangular shaped
head. They will often times spend their days hiding in low-growing shrubs or
rocks. The most identifiable part of this snake is their rattle but it is also
covered in a diamond-shaped pattern, hence its name. They are not usually
aggressive unless their habitat is disturbed or threatened, so watch where you
are walking when out on hikes!
Copperhead
 |
| Copperhead |
These snakes reach
about 30 inches long and have a reddish-brown head with coppery bodies. These
snakes are usually not aggressive and most people only get bitten by accidently
stepping on them. The reason it might be easy to step on one is because they
blend in so well with oak leaves and other vegetation. Make sure you are aware
of your surroundings and where you are walking when in wooded or park areas.
Coral Snake
 |
| Coral Snake |
Creepy Crawlers to
Look Out for in Texas
Bugs love the heat, especially the ones that bite! From
mosquitoes and bees to flies and fleas, here is a list of the ones you should
really keep your eye out for!
Bees and Wasps
 |
| Wasp |
You might see some
wasps, yellow jackets, bees or hornets buzzing around your home. If so, they
most likely have built a nest somewhere on the outside of your home or in
hollow places that do not get disturbed. When it is light out, look around your
home to see if you can find the nest. If
so, you should call a professional to take care of it. Never try to remove the nest yourself. Keep in mind that if the nest is not dealt
with properly, there can be dangerous consequences up to and including death
from multiple stings. Anyone with a
possible allergy to these bugs can find themselves in a life-threatening situation
from even a single sting.
Spiders
 |
| Black Widow |
The good news is most
spiders are not dangerous to humans. In Texas, the two spiders to keep an eye out
for are the brown recluse and the black widow. Both of these spiders like to
hang out in dark areas where there isn’t much draft. The only time they might
bite is if they feel threatened. Unfortunately, with
most spider bites, you won’t even feel them. That is why it is important that
anytime you find a suspecting bite on your body or your child’s, that you call the
poison center for treatment recommendations.
 |
| Brown Recluse |
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are peskier than anything, but they can also
carry some icky diseases including West Nile Virus and malaria. The best way to
avoid mosquitoes around your home is to get rid of any standing water,
including bird baths. Standing water is the perfect breeding spot for
mosquitoes. The best time to stay indoors to reduce your chances of being
bitten is at twilight/during the evening when they are most active. If you must go out at this time, make sure you
use mosquito repellent on all exposed areas.
Ticks
Ticks can be found in dense brush and wooded areas. If you
plan on taking a hike or going around heavily wooded areas, make sure to cover
your skin with clothing and use tick repellent where skin is visible to
eliminate chances of being bit. If you do find a tick embedded in your skin,
the best thing you can do is remove it with tweezers. Call the poison center for information on how
to remove the tick or treat the open wound it may leave behind.
Remember, if you run across any of these snakes or bugs and
happen to get bitten or stung, please do not hesitate to contact a poison
center for help at 1-800-222-1222.
They are always there and always free and can provide help on how to treat the
bite and more.
