Pests and pest control in Johnson City, TN

Pests to know in Johnson City

• Asian Longhorned Tick
• Mosquito
• Spotted Lanternfly
• Subterranean termites

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

Termites in Johnson City

• UT Extension calls subterranean termites the most destructive wood-feeding insects in Tennessee.^[4]
• The Tennessee Department of Agriculture advises that termite treatment contracts be warranted for at least one year.^[5]

Invasive species reported here

Tennessee's forestry program lists Washington and Sullivan counties among those with confirmed spotted lanternfly populations as of September 2026.^[3]

Pests local experts flag

The invasive Asian longhorned tick has recently been found in eastern Tennessee, according to the state health department's tick species list.^[1]

Climate

Central Johnson City (ZIP 37601) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 7b, where the average coldest winter night is 5 to 10°F.^[8]

Public agencies that handle pests

• Tennessee health officials say La Crosse encephalitis cases from the past ten years have generally been reported in the eastern part of the state.^[1]
• Over the last decade, 9 of Tennessee's 15 counties with the highest Lyme disease incidence were in the northeast region bordering Virginia and North Carolina, per the state health department.^[1]
• The Tennessee Department of Health says bites from both wild animals and domestic pets should be reported to your local health department.^[2]

Local rules and responsibilities

Johnson City Code Enforcement handles unsanitary conditions, junk, and litter on properties in the city.^[6]

Hiring a licensed company

Under Tennessee rules, a pest control company may legally operate only if its charter number is displayed on its company vehicle.^[5]

Licensing agency: Tennessee Department of Agriculture — Pesticides Section^[9].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

UT Extension's Washington County office, based in Jonesborough, offers agriculture and other educational programs to county residents.^[7]

Through the year

Spring to Fall

In Tennessee, reported La Crosse encephalitis cases rise in May through July and peak in August before declining from September to November.^[1]

Summer to Fall

Adult spotted lanternflies emerge in late summer and early fall, according to Tennessee's state forestry pest guidance.^[3]

Sources

1. Tennessee Department of Health, “Vector-Borne Diseases.” www.tn.gov/health/vector.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
2. Tennessee Department of Health, “Rabies Reporting Information.” www.tn.gov/health/rabies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
3. Tennessee Department of Agriculture (Protect TN Forests), “Spotted Lanternfly.” www.tn.gov/protecttnforests/insects/spotted-lantern-fly.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
4. University of Tennessee Extension, “PB1344-Subterranean Termite Control.” trace.tennessee.edu/utk_agexdise/15 (accessed 2026-10-06)
5. Tennessee Department of Agriculture, “Pesticide Consumer Tips.” www.tn.gov/agriculture/businesses/pesticides/pesticide-consumer-tips.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
6. City of Johnson City, “Code Enforcement.” www.johnsoncitytn.org/departments/building_services/building_division/code_enforcement/index.php (accessed 2026-10-06)
7. UT Extension Washington County, “UT Extension Washington County.” washington.tennessee.edu/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
8. USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 37601 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/37601.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
9. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)