Pests and pest control in Las Cruces, NM

Pests to know in Las Cruces

Mosquito · Subterranean termites · Deer Mouse

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

Termites in Las Cruces

NMSU Extension notes that termites are often found in New Mexico soil, where they feed on decaying organic matter.^[6]

Pests local experts flag

Las Cruces Parks names Russian thistle (tumbleweed), London rocket and saltcedar as weeds that can take over local landscapes.^[10]

Climate

Central Las Cruces (ZIP 88001) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8b, where the average coldest winter night is 15 to 20°F.^[11]

Public agencies that handle pests

• In New Mexico, mosquito control is the job of the county or municipality, not the state.^[1]
• About half of all U.S. plague cases each year happen in New Mexico, according to the state health department.^[2]
• New Mexico's health department says controlling rodents in and around the home is still the main way to prevent hantavirus infection.^[3]
• Las Cruces Codes Enforcement offers West Nile and Zika mosquito-control information and will present it to local groups; the number to call is 575-528-4100.^[4]

Local rules and responsibilities

Las Cruces Codes Enforcement warns that overgrown weeds give cover to rodents, snakes and insects, including mosquitoes.^[9]

Hiring a licensed company

• Anyone doing termite inspections in New Mexico must hold an NMDA Pest Management Consultant license.^[7]
• NMDA's Pesticide Compliance staff certify and license pesticide applicators and investigate suspected pesticide misuse in New Mexico.^[8]

Licensing agency: New Mexico Department of Agriculture — Pesticide Compliance Section^[12].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

NMSU's yard and garden column advises bringing a suspect insect sample to the local NMSU Cooperative Extension Service office, where an agent can identify it.^[6]

Through the year

Summer to Fall

West Nile virus cases have occurred in New Mexico every year since 2003, and human cases peak in late summer and early fall.^[5]

Spring

Under its integrated pest management schedule, Las Cruces Parks does pre-emergent spraying every March and April.^[10]

Sources

1. New Mexico Department of Health, “Mosquito Control Responsibilities.” nmhealth.org/publication/view/guide/982 (accessed 2026-10-06)
2. New Mexico Department of Health, “Plague.” www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/zdp/plg/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
3. New Mexico Department of Health, “Hantavirus.” www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/zdp/hps/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
4. City of Las Cruces, “Poison Control.” lascruces.gov/safety/code-enforcement/poison-control/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
5. New Mexico Department of Health, “West Nile Virus.” www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/zdp/wnv/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
6. New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service, “Southwest Yard and Garden: June 30, 2012.” swyg.nmsu.edu/2012/063012.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
7. New Mexico Department of Agriculture, “Termites 101 – Pest Control.” nmdeptag.nmsu.edu/pesticides/termites-101.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
8. New Mexico Department of Agriculture, “Pesticide Compliance.” nmdeptag.nmsu.edu/aes/pesticide-compliance.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
9. City of Las Cruces, “Weed Control.” lascruces.gov/safety/code-enforcement/weed-control/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
10. City of Las Cruces, “Integrated Pest Management.” lascruces.gov/arts-and-leisure/parks-and-recreation/services/maintenance-and-beautification/integrated-pest-management/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
11. USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 88001 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/88001.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
12. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)