Pests to know in Pittsburgh
Termites in Pittsburgh
Penn State Extension says eastern subterranean termites occur throughout Pennsylvania, and most infestations are in basements, cellars and the timbers just above cellar walls.[5]
Invasive species reported here
Spotted lanternfly, an invasive planthopper from Asia, was first discovered in Pennsylvania in Berks County in 2014; sightings can be reported to 1-888-4BAD-FLY.[6]
Pests local experts flag
Black-legged ticks carrying the Lyme disease bacterium are found in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, including Allegheny County.[4]
Climate
Central Pittsburgh (ZIP 15222) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 7a, where the average coldest winter night is 0 to 5°F.[9]
Public agencies that handle pests
- The Allegheny County Health Department enforces Article VI of the County Health Code to prevent and manage pest infestations such as rodents, bed bugs and cockroaches.[1]
- Every summer since 2002, West Nile virus has been detected in Culex pipiens and Culex restuans mosquitoes in Allegheny County.[3]
- In Pittsburgh neighborhoods with West Nile activity, Health Department staff treat thousands of catch basins with pesticide every summer to curb Culex breeding.[3]
- Allegheny County residents can mail or bring tick specimens to the County Entomologist for identification, though ACHD does not test ticks for disease.[4]
Local rules and responsibilities
- In Allegheny County, owners of commercial and rental properties with four or more units must hire a commercial pest control company to control rats.[2]
- After a rat complaint, ACHD sends the responsible party a Pre-Inspection Notice, and inspectors issue a Notice of Violation if they find rodent activity.[2]
Hiring a licensed company
Pennsylvania's pesticide rules certify structural pest work in separate categories, including household and health related, and wood destroying pests for termites and powder post beetles.[8]
Free local help
Penn State Extension worked with the state Department of Agriculture on online training for businesses that need spotted lanternfly quarantine permits.[7]
Through the year
Sources
- Allegheny County Health Department, “Pest Control.” www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Health-Department/Housing-and-Community-Environment/Pest-Control (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Allegheny County Health Department, “Rodents.” www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Health-Department/Housing-and-Community-Environment/Pest-Control/Rodents (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Allegheny County Health Department, “Mosquitoes.” www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Health-Department/Housing-and-Community-Environment/Pest-Control/Mosquitoes (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Allegheny County Health Department, “Ticks.” www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Health-Department/Housing-and-Community-Environment/Pest-Control/Ticks (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Penn State Extension, “Eastern Subterranean Termites.” extension.psu.edu/eastern-subterranean-termites (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, “Spotted Lanternfly.” www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/plants-land-water/spotted-lanternfly (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Penn State Extension, “Spotted Lanternfly.” extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Pennsylvania Code (7 Pa. Code § 128.42), “Categories of commercial and public applicators.” www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/007/chapter128/s128.42.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 15222 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/15222.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)