Pests and pest control in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Pests to know in Fort Lauderdale

• Mosquito
• Asian Subterranean Termite
• Subterranean termites
• Conehead Termite

Why each one matters here is cited in the sections below.

Termites in Fort Lauderdale

• UF/IFAS describes the Asian subterranean termite as a tropical species that is very common from Key West to West Palm Beach.^[6]
• A UF study says a 2016 projection, that about half of urban South Florida structures could face invasive termite infestation by around 2040, remains on track.^[7]

Invasive species reported here

The conehead termite was first found in Dania Beach, Broward County, in 2001, the only U.S. detection; a second turned up in Pompano Beach in 2016.^[8]

Climate

Central Fort Lauderdale (ZIP 33301) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 11a, where the average coldest winter night is 40 to 45°F.^[10]

Public agencies that handle pests

• Broward County's Mosquito Control Section responds to free service requests from the public and addresses public health concerns.^[1]
• When Broward Mosquito Control staff recommend spraying, it is carried out between midnight and 6 a.m.^[2]
• DOH-Broward can investigate and abate sanitary nuisances, which under Florida law include conditions capable of breeding flies, mosquitoes or other disease-carrying arthropods.^[3]
• Working with Broward County Animal Care and Control, DOH-Broward quarantines or tests suspected rabid animals after a bite or scratch.^[4]

Local rules and responsibilities

If a neighbor's neglected pool seems to be breeding mosquitoes, Broward Mosquito Control says to report it to your city's Code Enforcement.^[2]

Hiring a licensed company

For structural pest control, Florida law requires each business location to be licensed by FDACS and to employ a full-time Florida-certified operator in charge.^[9]

Licensing agency: Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services — Agricultural Environmental Services^[11].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

UF/IFAS Extension Broward County, run jointly by UF/IFAS and Broward County government, gives residents research-based advice from its office in Davie.^[5]

Through the year

Summer

Broward Mosquito Control warns that request volume runs high in the warmer summer months, which can slow its response time.^[2]

Spring

UF/IFAS says South Florida sees large Asian subterranean termite swarms starting in early March, with flights at dusk.^[6]

Sources

1. Broward County Mosquito Control Section, “Mosquito Control.” www.broward.org/Mosquito/Pages/Default.aspx (accessed 2026-10-06)
2. Broward County Mosquito Control Section, “Frequently Asked Questions.” www.browardcdn.org/api/public/content/44a71ac408d54783a161b4b002ff1ab2?v=9060fda6 (accessed 2026-10-06)
3. Florida Department of Health in Broward County, “Sanitary Nuisances.” broward.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/environmental-public-health/sanitary-nuisance/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
4. Florida Department of Health in Broward County, “Rabies Prophylaxis.” broward.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/infectious-disease-services/rabies-prophylaxis/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
5. UF/IFAS Extension Broward County, “UF/IFAS Extension Broward County.” sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/broward/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
6. UF/IFAS, “As Florida enters termite swarm season, UF/IFAS scientists tell consumers what to know.” blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2021/03/03/as-florida-enters-termite-swarm-season-uf-ifas-scientists-tell-consumers-what-to-know/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
7. University of Florida News, “New study shows invasive termites threatening homes in Florida are spreading farther than predicted.” news.ufl.edu/2026/02/termites/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
8. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, “Conehead Termite Eradication Program.” www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Pest-Control/Conehead-Termite-Eradication-Program (accessed 2026-10-06)
9. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, “Pest Control Licensing and Certification.” www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Pest-Control/Licensing-and-Certification (accessed 2026-10-06)
10. USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 33301 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/33301.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
11. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)