Pests to know in Davenport
Termites in Davenport
ISU Extension says termites are more common in southern Iowa but have been reported in almost every county, with spotty, widely scattered infestations.[6]
Invasive species reported here
Emerald ash borer was identified in Davenport in spring 2015, after the city had activated its EAB response plan.[5]
Climate
Central Davenport (ZIP 52801) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 5b, where the average coldest winter night is -15 to -10°F.[10]
Public agencies that handle pests
- The Scott County Health Department investigates complaints about insect and rodent infestations that threaten public health and tells property owners how to remove them.[1]
- Scott County health officials note that most rabies cases reported in Iowa trace to the virus carried by bats, which can spread it without an obvious bite.[3]
- The county health department calls head lice common and backs a community plan built on prevention, early detection and education.[4]
Local rules and responsibilities
- Scott County's public health nuisance code lists the presence of rats, cockroaches, flies or other vermin as a health nuisance.[2]
- Once the Health Officer confirms cockroaches, rodents or other vermin on a property, county code requires the owner to begin abatement within the deadline the officer sets.[2]
- Davenport does not treat public ash trees for EAB; residents may treat a boulevard ash beside their home at their own expense after getting a city permit.[5]
Hiring a licensed company
Under the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's pesticide program, individual applicators are certified and pesticide companies are licensed.[7]
Free local help
ISU Extension's Scott County office runs a Hort Clinic where Master Gardener volunteers answer questions about insects, wildlife, lawns and trees.[8]
Through the year
Sources
- Scott County Health Department, “Insect and Rodent Control.” www.scottcountyiowa.gov/health/nuisance/insect-rodent-control (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Scott County, Iowa, “Scott County Code Chapter 25: Public Health Nuisances.” www3.scottcountyiowa.gov/board/pub/code/chapters/Chapter_25_-_Public_Health_Nuisances.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Scott County Health Department, “Animal Bites/Rabies.” www.scottcountyiowa.gov/health/animal-bites-rabies (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Scott County Health Department, “Head Lice.” www.scottcountyiowa.gov/health/head-lice (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Davenport, “Trees / Forestry Services.” www.davenportiowa.com/services/public_works/trees (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, “Termites.” yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/termites (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, “Applicator Licensing & Certification.” iowaagriculture.gov/pesticide-bureau/applicator-licensing-certification (accessed 2026-10-06)
- ISU Extension and Outreach Scott County, “Yard and Garden.” www.extension.iastate.edu/scott/yard-and-garden (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, “Tick- and Mosquito-borne Diseases.” hhs.iowa.gov/health-prevention/disease-information/tick-and-mosquito-borne-diseases (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 52801 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/52801.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)