Pests to know in Richmond
Termites in Richmond
Virginia Cooperative Extension identifies the eastern subterranean termite as the most common subterranean termite in Virginia; mature colonies can hold more than 60,000 workers.[5]
Pests local experts flag
- For rats on private property in Richmond, the health district advises hiring a licensed pest control company and combining rat-proofing with sustained sanitation.[1]
- Neighboring Henrico County's mosquito surveillance traps find the Asian tiger, northern house and white-dotted mosquitoes are the most frequently caught species, and all can spread West Nile virus.[2]
Climate
Central Richmond (ZIP 23219) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 7b, where the average coldest winter night is 5 to 10°F.[8]
Public agencies that handle pests
- The Richmond City Health District's Environmental Health Division investigates complaints about rodent and pest infestations and conducts mosquito surveillance for Zika virus. Call 804-205-3912.[1]
- The Richmond City Health District permits and inspects about 50 hotels, motels, inns and B&Bs in the city and provides bed bug action plans for lodging operators.[1]
- The Richmond City Health District works with Richmond Animal Care and Control to administer the city's Rabies Program.[1]
- VDH says West Nile virus is the most common locally acquired mosquito-borne illness in Virginia; malaria, Zika and dengue cases are typically travel-related.[4]
Local rules and responsibilities
- Richmond's property maintenance guidelines require grass and weed growth to be kept to 12 inches or less; the health district cites yard upkeep as a way to reduce tick and mosquito habitat.[2]
- Richmond's Department of Public Utilities warns that clogged storm drains and catch basins can attract pests and become mosquito breeding grounds.[3]
Hiring a licensed company
Virginia requires a VDACS pesticide business license for any business that applies or recommends pesticides for pay, with one license per location; licenses expire March 31 each year.[6]
Free local help
Virginia Cooperative Extension's Richmond City office runs a Master Gardener course for city residents, with volunteers trained by Extension agents from Virginia Tech and Virginia State.[7]
Through the year
- Spring to Summer
- Peak subterranean termite swarming in Virginia runs March through June; the eastern subterranean termite usually swarms March–May in daylight on warm days after rain.[5]
Sources
- Richmond City Health District (Virginia Department of Health), “Environmental Health.” www.vdh.virginia.gov/richmond-city/environmental-health/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (Virginia Department of Health), “Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Share Tips for Preventing Tick and Mosquito-Related Illnesses.” www.vdh.virginia.gov/richmond-city/2026/07/14/richmond-and-henrico-health-districts-share-tips-for-preventing-tick-and-mosquito-related-illnesses/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities, “Education and Outreach.” www.rva.gov/public-utilities/educationandoutreach (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Virginia Department of Health, “Mosquito Control Awareness Week.” www.vdh.virginia.gov/mosquito/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech), “Subterranean Termite Biology and Behavior (Pub. 444-502).” vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/bitstreams/c1477776-b649-444c-be06-fe79a160e434/download (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, “Pesticide Business License.” www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesticide-business-license.shtml (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, Richmond City Office, “Become a Master Gardener.” richmond-city.ext.vt.edu/news/mastergardener.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 23219 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/23219.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)