Pests to know in Fort Wayne
Termites in Fort Wayne
A Purdue University termite survey found the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, was the dominant and most widely distributed termite species in Indiana, recorded in 44 counties.[5]
Invasive species reported here
The invasive brown marmorated stink bug was first collected in Indiana in Elkhart County in October 2010, is now statewide, and becomes a nuisance entering homes in fall.[8]
Pests local experts flag
The Norway rat and the common house mouse are the prevailing rodent species in Allen County, according to the county health department.[2]
Climate
Central Fort Wayne (ZIP 46802) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 6a, where the average coldest winter night is -10 to -5°F.[9]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Allen County Department of Health mosquito technicians regularly check and treat nearly 300 permanent breeding sites in the county and trap adult mosquitoes to test for West Nile virus.[1]
- The Allen County Department of Health offers free residential rodent inspections, places toxic bait outdoors in secure stations when needed, and rechecks the property every 7-14 days.[2]
- The Allen County Department of Health cannot test ticks for disease, but its Vector Control & Healthy Homes Program can identify a tick and explain which diseases it could carry.[3]
- The Allen County Department of Health investigates bed bug complaints in lodging facilities and other settings; residents can report problems at 260.449.7459.[4]
Local rules and responsibilities
Allen County residents are warned to remove containers and tires or maintain pools to prevent mosquito breeding, and unresolved violations lead to legal action under county ordinance.[1]
Hiring a licensed company
- Fort Wayne City Code Chapter 91.025 bars using poison bait in city limits that could harm domestic animals, though health department or state-licensed programs may be excluded.[2]
- Indiana requires any business applying pesticides to another person's property for hire to hold a business license, carry liability insurance and employ at least one licensed for-hire commercial applicator.[7]
Free local help
Purdue Extension's Allen County office on Crescent Avenue in Fort Wayne offers diagnostic services for plants, insects and soils, and answers lawn and garden questions at 260-481-6425.[6]
Through the year
- Spring to Summer
- The American dog tick, Indiana's largest tick, is the most prevalent tick in Allen County and appears from April to July.[3]
Sources
- Allen County Department of Health, “Mosquitoes.” allencountyhealth.com/info-about/environmental-health/healthy-homes/pest-control/mosquitoes (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Allen County Department of Health, “Rodents.” allencountyhealth.com/info-about/environmental-health/healthy-homes/pest-control/rodents (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Allen County Department of Health, “Ticks.” allencountyhealth.com/info-about/environmental-health/healthy-homes/pest-control/ticks (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Allen County Department of Health, “Bed Bugs.” allencountyhealth.com/info-about/environmental-health/healthy-homes/pest-control/bed-bugs (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Purdue University Department of Entomology, “Survey and Identification of Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Indiana.” www.entm.purdue.edu/ants/pubs/21.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Purdue Extension, “Allen County.” extension.purdue.edu/county/allen/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Office of Indiana State Chemist, “Pesticide, Fertilizer Application & Distribution Licenses.” www.oisc.purdue.edu/pesticide/pest_fert_dist_licenses.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources, “Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.” www.in.gov/dnr/entomology/pests-of-concern/brown-marmorated-stink-bug/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 46802 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/46802.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)