Pests to know in Greensboro
Termites in Greensboro
- Subterranean termites are by far the most common termites in North Carolina; the imported Formosan subterranean termite has been found in only a few locations in the state.[7]
- NCDA&CS says most North Carolina homes older than 10 to 15 years will show some evidence of wood-destroying insects, so a perfectly clear inspection report shouldn't be expected.[8]
Invasive species reported here
North Carolina's first live spotted lanternfly population was found in Forsyth County near the Guilford County line in June 2022, and the pest is now established in Guilford County.[5]
Pests local experts flag
- Guilford County does not provide rat poison but can help residents identify the food and harborage sources that draw rodents to their yards.[1]
- In North Carolina, rabies most often occurs in wild animals, especially skunks, raccoons, bats and foxes. Guilford County Animal Control removes sick, injured or aggressive wild animals.[3]
Climate
Central Greensboro (ZIP 27401) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8a, where the average coldest winter night is 10 to 15°F.[11]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Guilford County Public Health warns that local mosquitoes can transmit Eastern equine encephalitis, La Crosse encephalitis and West Nile virus, and that eliminating breeding areas is the key tactic.[1]
- Guilford County Public Health says mosquitoes can breed in just two teaspoons of stagnant water, and tall grass itself does not breed mosquitoes.[1]
- Guilford County Public Health partnered with NC State University to hand out free tick collection kits for a statewide citizen-science tick study.[2]
Local rules and responsibilities
Greensboro and High Point have the authority to mow overgrown vacant lots and foreclosed properties inside city limits and charge the owner; Greensboro residents can request this by calling the city.[1]
Hiring a licensed company
In North Carolina, structural pest control for hire must be done by an NCDA&CS licensee or someone employed and supervised by one, and structural pest control cards expire every June 30.[9]
Free local help
NC State Extension's Guilford County Master Gardener Infoline answers residents' questions about outdoor insects and outdoor pests such as moles, voles, groundhogs and carpenter bees.[10]
Through the year
- Summer to Fall
- In North Carolina, most cases of mosquito-borne arboviral disease occur from June through September, when mosquitoes are most active.[4]
- Spring to Fall
- NCDA&CS crews treat spotted lanternfly sites from April through October each year, prioritizing commercial properties and lots under development.[6]
Sources
- Guilford County Division of Public Health, “Health Hazards.” www.guilfordcountync.gov/government/departments-and-agencies/department-health-and-human-services/division-public-health/environmental-health/health-hazards (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Guilford County, “Guilford County Calls on Citizen Scientists for NC State Tick Study.” www.guilfordcountync.gov/news/press-releases/2025/05/02/guilford-county-calls-citizen-scientists-nc-state-tick-study (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Guilford County Division of Public Health, “Rabies.” www.guilfordcountync.gov/government/departments-and-agencies/health-and-human-services-agency/public-health/communicable-diseases/rabies (accessed 2026-10-06)
- NC Division of Public Health, “Mosquito-Borne Illnesses (Arboviruses).” epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/arbo.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, “Spotted Lanternfly.” www.ncagr.gov/divisions/plant-industry/plant-protection/entomological-insect-services/spotted-lanternfly (accessed 2026-10-06)
- NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, “NCDA&CS finds spotted lanternfly in three additional counties.” www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/02/10/ncdacs-finds-spotted-lanternfly-three-additional-counties (accessed 2026-10-06)
- NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, “Pre-Construction Subterranean Termite Control.” www.ncagr.gov/divisions/structural-pest-control-and-pesticides/structural/consumer-information/pre-construction-subterranean-termite-control (accessed 2026-10-06)
- NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, “Homeowners Guide to Wood-Destroying Insect Report (WDIR).” www.ncagr.gov/divisions/structural-pest-control-and-pesticides/structural/consumer-information/homeowners-guide-wood-destroying-insect-report (accessed 2026-10-06)
- NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, “Structural Pest Control Licensing and Certification.” www.ncagr.gov/divisions/structural-pest-control-and-pesticides/structural/licensing-and-certification (accessed 2026-10-06)
- NC State Extension, Guilford County Center, “Ask Your Gardening Questions.” guilford.ces.ncsu.edu/ask-your-gardening-questions/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 27401 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/27401.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)