Pests and pest control in Lincoln, NE

Pests to know in Lincoln

• Mosquito
• Ticks
• Subterranean termites
• Emerald Ash Borer

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

Termites in Lincoln

Nebraska Extension says the termites usually found in Nebraska are subterranean termites that stay connected to the soil, which is why control typically targets the soil.^[6]

Invasive species reported here

The City of Lincoln reports emerald ash borer has been confirmed in all corners of Lincoln; its response plan works with neighborhoods to remove and replace public ash trees.^[8]

Pests local experts flag

• Nebraska DHHS says West Nile virus in Nebraska is spread by Culex mosquitoes, with cases occurring in a mosquito season that starts in summer and runs through fall.^[3]
• Nebraska DHHS lists Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia as tick-borne diseases found in Nebraska.^[4]

Climate

Central Lincoln (ZIP 68508) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 6a, where the average coldest winter night is -10 to -5°F.^[9]

Public agencies that handle pests

• The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department takes questions about West Nile virus, ticks, and mosquito control, and logs mosquito breeding-site complaints, at 402-441-8002.^[1]
• Nebraska DHHS asks the public to report dead bird sightings, tracked across the primary West Nile virus season of June 1 through September 30.^[3]

Hiring a licensed company

In Nebraska, anyone applying even general-use structural or lawn care pesticides for hire must be certified and licensed as a commercial applicator by the Department of Agriculture.^[7]

Licensing agency: Nebraska Department of Agriculture — Plant Health Programs, Pesticide^[10].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

• Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County identifies insects and spiders for residents at 444 Cherrycreek Road in Lincoln, at no charge; samples go in a sealed, clear bag.^[5]
• Nebraska Extension's Tick Tag Go campaign gathers community tick submissions from across Nebraska to help map tick species.^[5]

Through the year

Summer

LLCHD says West Nile virus risk from mosquito bites is highest in mid to late summer, and notes summer is also tickborne disease season in Nebraska.^[1]

Seasonal

LLCHD advises Lancaster County residents to keep using bug spray and other mosquito precautions until the first frost.^[2]

Spring to Fall

Termite swarms in Nebraska usually happen from March through May following significant rainfall, according to Nebraska Extension.^[6]

Sources

1. Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, “Health Department Reminds Residents to Prevent Mosquito Bites.” lincoln.ne.gov/News/2024/7/3c (accessed 2026-10-06)
2. Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, “LLCHD Reports Human Case of West Nile Virus in Lancaster County.” www.lincoln.ne.gov/News/2025/9/8a (accessed 2026-10-06)
3. Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, “West Nile Virus.” dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/West-Nile-Virus.aspx (accessed 2026-10-06)
4. Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, “Tick-Borne Diseases.” dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Tick-Borne-Diseases.aspx (accessed 2026-10-06)
5. Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County, “Insects (Urban Entomology).” lancaster.unl.edu/insects/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
6. Nebraska Extension (University of Nebraska–Lincoln), “Termite FAQ for Nebraska.” grobigred.com/2023/05/15/termite-faq-nebraska/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
7. Nebraska Department of Agriculture, “Pesticide Applicator Certification and Licensing.” nda.nebraska.gov/pesticide/cert (accessed 2026-10-06)
8. City of Lincoln Parks and Recreation, “Community Forestry.” www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Community-Forestry (accessed 2026-10-06)
9. USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 68508 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/68508.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
10. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)