Pests to know in Philadelphia
Termites in Philadelphia
Penn State Extension says eastern subterranean termites live throughout Pennsylvania and often damage structural timbers in buildings.[1]
Invasive species reported here
Climate
Central Philadelphia (ZIP 19107) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 7b, where the average coldest winter night is 5 to 10°F.[8]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Vector Control Services at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health responds to complaints about rats in homes and public parks. Its inspectors may treat the same day.[2]
- Philadelphia Vector Control staff sample mosquitoes and spray for adult mosquitoes where populations could carry West Nile virus, as in FDR Park in July 2026.[3]
Local rules and responsibilities
Philadelphia's bed bug law gives tenants five business days to notify their landlord in writing. Landlords must hire pest control professionals within 10 business days.[7]
Hiring a licensed company
The state pesticide regulatory agency for Pennsylvania is the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (Bureau of Plant Industry, Pesticide Programs), which oversees pesticide applicator certification and licensing.[9]
Free local help
Penn State Extension has Philadelphia County educators and staff, covering topics including Master Gardener coordination, 4-H and food safety.[4]
Through the year
- Winter to Summer
- In Pennsylvania, winged termite swarms usually emerge between February and June.[1]
- Spring to Fall
- Philadelphia's health department advises limiting time outdoors at dawn and dusk, the peak mosquito periods, from April through October.[3]
- Summer to Fall
- In Pennsylvania, adult spotted lanternflies start appearing in July and stay active until hard freezes in the fall.[5]
Sources
- Penn State Extension, “Eastern Subterranean Termites.” extension.psu.edu/eastern-subterranean-termites (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Philadelphia, “Report rats.” www.phila.gov/services/mental-physical-health/report-a-health-or-safety-concern/report-rats (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health, “Health Department reschedules spray for mosquitoes in FDR Park.” www.phila.gov/2026-07-23-health-department-reschedules-spray-for-mosquitoes-in-fdr-park/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Penn State Extension, “Philadelphia County.” extension.psu.edu/directory/philadelphia-county (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Penn State Extension, “Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide.” extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-management-guide (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Penn State Extension, “Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.” extension.psu.edu/brown-marmorated-stink-bug (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Philadelphia, “Report a bed bug law violation.” phila.gov/services/property-lots-housing/report-a-bed-bug-law-violation/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 19107 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/19107.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)