Pests to know in New Haven
Termites in New Haven
According to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the eastern subterranean termite is the termite species encountered most often in New England.[1]
Invasive species reported here
Spotted lanternfly is a non-native invasive insect, and CAES reports that as of 2026 it had been seen in every Connecticut county. It does not harm people but feeds on many plants.[8]
Pests local experts flag
UConn Extension says the two ticks Connecticut residents meet most are the American dog tick and the black-legged (deer) tick; only the black-legged tick can transmit Lyme disease, babesiosis and anaplasmosis.[7]
Climate
Central New Haven (ZIP 06510) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 7a, where the average coldest winter night is 0 to 5°F.[11]
Public agencies that handle pests
- In 1999, CAES scientists in Connecticut were the first in North America to grow and study West Nile virus from infected mosquitoes, and found the American robin is a common host.[2]
- The CAES Tick Testing Program, based at 123 Huntington Street in New Haven, was founded in 1990. CAES still encourages residents to submit ticks through their local health department when possible.[3]
- The Connecticut Department of Public Health says Lyme disease, spread by the black-legged (deer) tick, is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in the state. It became reportable statewide in 1987.[4]
- Connecticut's Mosquito Management Program is run jointly by DEEP, CAES and the Department of Public Health. The state says eliminating standing water is the best way to manage mosquitoes around a home.[5]
Local rules and responsibilities
Connecticut residents can join a DEEP registry to be notified before abutting neighbors' property is commercially treated with pesticides. Forms are due by December 31 and must be renewed every year.[10]
Hiring a licensed company
In Connecticut, a commercial supervisory certificate from DEEP is needed to decide on and direct pesticide applications. Junior operators may apply pesticides only under a certified supervisor and cannot run their own pesticide business.[9]
Free local help
The CAES Insect Information Office in New Haven identifies insects and ticks and gives management advice to any Connecticut resident. Samples can be left at a drop-off kiosk in the Jenkins-Waggoner Laboratory during office hours.[6]
Through the year
- Winter to Fall
- Winged termites swarm in spring, usually March through June, and occasionally on warm winter days as early as January. They do not swarm in summer or fall.[1]
- Summer to Fall
- CAES traps mosquitoes daily from June through October at 108 permanent sites statewide, including swamps, wetlands and vegetated residential areas along waterways.[2]
Sources
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, “Eastern Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) fact sheet.” portal.ct.gov/caes/-/media/caes/documents/publications/fact_sheets/entomology/eastern_subterranean_termite_reticulitermes.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, “State of Connecticut Mosquito Trapping and Arbovirus Testing Program.” portal.ct.gov/caes/mosquito-testing/introductory/state-of-connecticut-mosquito-trapping-and-arbovirus-testing-program (accessed 2026-10-06)
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, “Tick Testing Laboratory.” portal.ct.gov/caes/tick-office/tick-office/tick-testing-laboratory (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Connecticut Department of Public Health, “Lyme Disease.” portal.ct.gov/dph/epidemiology-and-emerging-infections/lyme-disease (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Connecticut Mosquito Management Program (CT DEEP, CAES, DPH), “State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program.” portal.ct.gov/mosquito (accessed 2026-10-06)
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, “Insect Information Office, New Haven.” portal.ct.gov/caes/insect-office/new-haven/insect-information-office-new-haven (accessed 2026-10-06)
- UConn Extension (College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources), “UConn Home & Garden Education Center.” homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, “Spotted lanternfly.” portal.ct.gov/caes/plants-pest-info/spotted-lanternfly (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, “Pesticide Certification/Licensing.” portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Pesticides/Pesticide-Certification-General/Pesticide-CertificationLicensing (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, “Pre-Notification of Pesticide Application to Abutting Property.” portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Pesticides/Pre-Notification-of-Pesticide-Application-to-Abutting-Property (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 06510 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/06510.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)