Pests to know in Norfolk
Termites in Norfolk
Virginia Tech Extension calls it a common Virginia problem for subterranean termites to enter between the foundation and below-grade brick veneer, stucco or foam insulation, unseen until damage appears.[7]
Invasive species reported here
Norfolk is among the independent cities listed in Virginia's Imported Fire Ant Quarantine, effective May 27, 2025.[5]
Pests local experts flag
- Norfolk's vector staff set ground-level BG Sentinel traps, baited with CO2 and a lure, specifically to monitor the Asian tiger mosquito.[2]
- Norfolk health officials say mosquitoes thrive in the city's urban setting and need only a teaspoon of water to finish their life cycle, so residents should check yards for standing water.[2]
Climate
Central Norfolk (ZIP 23510) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8b, where the average coldest winter night is 15 to 20°F.[10]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Norfolk's Vector Control maintains tidal ditches, applies larvicide, traps mosquitoes to identify species, inspects backyards for breeding sites and answers mosquito complaints.[1]
- The Norfolk Department of Public Health's Vector Control Division carries out mosquito control and surveillance all year, aiming to reduce mosquito populations and the threat of mosquito-borne disease.[2]
- Norfolk tests trapped mosquitoes for West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis, and samples sentinel chicken flocks around the city every other week for the same viruses.[2]
- Norfolk's health department warns that rats and mice spread disease directly by contaminating food or indirectly through rodent fleas and mites.[3]
Local rules and responsibilities
Private dumpsters and other bulk containers in Norfolk need Department of Public Health approval, and a permit condition is that the container be free of insect and rodent breeding.[4]
Hiring a licensed company
Pest management firms in Virginia must hold a pesticide business license from VDACS's Office of Pesticide Services; every license expires March 31 and must be renewed each year.[8]
Free local help
Virginia Tech Extension says that inside the federal fire ant quarantine area, managing imported fire ants is the responsibility of the people who live and work there.[6]
Through the year
- Summer
- The Gulf Coast tick, which spreads R. parkeri rickettsiosis (also called Tidewater spotted fever), is active as an adult during summer, according to Virginia Tech.[9]
Sources
- Norfolk Department of Public Health (Virginia Department of Health), “Vector Control.” www.vdh.virginia.gov/norfolk/vector-control/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Norfolk Department of Public Health (Virginia Department of Health), “Mosquito Control.” www.vdh.virginia.gov/norfolk/mosquito-control/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Norfolk Department of Public Health (Virginia Department of Health), “Rodent Control.” www.vdh.virginia.gov/norfolk/rodent-control/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Norfolk Department of Public Health (Virginia Department of Health), “Bulk Container Program.” www.vdh.virginia.gov/norfolk/bulk-container-program/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, “Imported Fire Ant Quarantine – Effective May 27, 2025.” www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/fire-ant-quar-map.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech), “Avoiding Fire Ant Stings.” www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/ENTO/ento-481/ENTO-591.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech), “Signs of Subterranean Termite Infestation.” ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/444/444-501/444-501_pdf.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, “Instructions for Obtaining and Maintaining a Virginia Pesticide Business License.” www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/businesspacket.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech), “Tick-Borne Diseases in Virginia.” www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/ENTO/ento-504/ENTO-504.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 23510 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/23510.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)