Pests and pest control in Miami, FL

Pests to know in Miami

• Asian Subterranean Termite
• Subterranean termites
• Formosan Subterranean Termite
• Yellow Fever Mosquito

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

Termites in Miami

• UF/IFAS says the Asian subterranean termite is very common from Key West to West Palm Beach, and that large swarms appear in south Florida starting in early March.^[1]
• A UF study estimated that about half of the structures in urban South Florida could be at risk from one or both invasive termite species by around 2040.^[2]

Pests local experts flag

• Miami-Dade Mosquito Control uses BG-Sentinel traps in residential areas to catch Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.^[3]
• Aedes aegypti is still a common mosquito in urban southern Florida, and it bites during the day, indoors and outdoors.^[5]

Climate

Central Miami (ZIP 33130) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 11a, where the average coldest winter night is 40 to 45°F.^[8]

Public agencies that handle pests

• Miami-Dade County Mosquito Control inspectors handle service requests made through the County's 311 Contact Center.^[3]
• Miami-Dade Mosquito Control takes service requests from residents with significant mosquito problems and sends inspectors to control mosquitoes.^[4]

Hiring a licensed company

Florida law makes it unlawful to run a pest control business that is not licensed by the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.^[7]

Licensing agency: Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services — Agricultural Environmental Services^[9].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County runs a plant clinic, and residents can reach a Master Gardener by email or phone.^[6]

Through the year

Spring

In south Florida, Formosan subterranean termites start swarming in late April to early May.^[1]

Sources

1. UF/IFAS, “As Florida enters termite swarm season, UF/IFAS scientists tell consumers what to know.” blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2021/03/03/as-florida-enters-termite-swarm-season-uf-ifas-scientists-tell-consumers-what-to-know/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
2. University of Florida News, “New study shows invasive termites threatening homes in Florida are spreading farther than predicted.” news.ufl.edu/2026/02/termites (accessed 2026-10-06)
3. Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management, “Mosquito Control Fact Sheet.” www.miamidade.gov/solidwaste/library/mosquito-control-fact-sheet.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
4. Miami-Dade County, “Mosquito Control.” www.miamidade.gov/global/solidwaste/mosquito/home.page (accessed 2026-10-06)
5. UF/IFAS EDIS, “Yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus).” ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN792 (accessed 2026-10-06)
6. UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County, “Home Gardens & Landscapes.” sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/miami-dade/landscapes--gardening/home-gardens--landscapes/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
7. The Florida Senate, “2022 Florida Statutes, Chapter 482: Pest Control.” flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2022/Chapter482/All (accessed 2026-10-06)
8. USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 33130 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/33130.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)