Pests and pest control in Gulfport, MS

Pests to know in Gulfport

• Mosquito
• Horse Flies
• Formosan Subterranean Termite

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

Termites in Gulfport

• Mississippi has three major termite species: eastern subterranean termites statewide, Formosan termites in the southern half, and southeastern drywood termites, mostly in the three coastal counties.^[3]
• In Mississippi, eastern subterranean termites usually swarm in daytime from mid-February to mid-May, while Formosan termites swarm at night from early May into early June.^[3]

Invasive species reported here

Formosan termites were first found in Mississippi in 1984, now occur in at least 26 counties, and are especially common in the coastal area.^[3]

Pests local experts flag

Harrison County Mosquito Control answers complaint calls within two working days, and as resources allow it also helps with horse flies, deer flies, and no-see-ums.^[1]

Climate

Central Gulfport (ZIP 39501) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 9a, where the average coldest winter night is 20 to 25°F.^[7]

Public agencies that handle pests

• Harrison County fogs for adult mosquitoes at night with truck-mounted ULV sprayers, while a day crew treats ditches and rain pools for larvae.^[1]
• The Mississippi State Department of Health identifies the southern house mosquito as the main West Nile virus carrier in Mississippi; it breeds in small containers of organic-rich standing water.^[2]

Local rules and responsibilities

Gulfport residents can report code violations by dialing 311, and a code enforcement officer typically visits the site within 24 hours to confirm the violation.^[6]

Hiring a licensed company

• Anyone paid for pest control in Mississippi must hold a Bureau of Plant Industry license, and Mississippi does not reciprocate licenses from any other state.^[5]
• Since 2009, Mississippi pest control companies must put a sticker on a home's exterior electrical box showing when and by whom the final perimeter termite treatment was applied.^[3]

Licensing agency: Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce — Bureau of Plant Industry, Pesticide Program^[8].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

MSU Extension advises residents of the southern coastal counties to turn off outdoor lights and close blinds at night to reduce Formosan swarmer attraction.^[4]

Through the year

Winter to Spring

Harrison County's active mosquito season, when regular control work runs, lasts from March into December each year.^[1]

Summer to Fall

According to the state health department, West Nile virus in Mississippi is typically most prevalent from July through October.^[2]

Sources

1. Harrison County, Mississippi, “Mosquito Control.” harrisoncountyms.gov/departments/mosquito_control/index.php (accessed 2026-10-06)
2. Mississippi State Department of Health, “Mississippi Morbidity Report.” msdh.ms.gov/page/resources/5028.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
3. Mississippi State University Extension Service, “Protect Your House from Termites.” extension.msstate.edu/publications/protect-your-house-termites (accessed 2026-10-06)
4. Mississippi State University Extension Service, “Formosan Subterranean Termites.” extension.msstate.edu/blogs/extension-for-real-life/formosan-subterranean-termites (accessed 2026-10-06)
5. Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Bureau of Plant Industry, “Frequently Asked Questions.” www.mdac.ms.gov/bureaus-departments/bpi/regulation-of-professional-services/frequently-asked-questions/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
6. City of Gulfport, “Code Enforcement.” gulfport-ms.gov/government/code_enforcement.php (accessed 2026-10-06)
7. USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 39501 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/39501.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
8. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)