Pests to know in Roanoke
Termites in Roanoke
Virginia Tech Extension says above-ground termite infestations are rare in most of Virginia because they need extremely moist conditions year-round, though homes with flat roofs or chronic leaks can be at risk.[7]
Invasive species reported here
- Spotted lanternfly is established enough locally that VDACS no longer requires reports of it from Roanoke City, Roanoke County or Salem.[5]
- VDACS says spotted lanternfly, first found in Virginia in 2018, feeds on sap of grapevines, fruit trees and maples and now occurs in over half of Virginia's counties and independent cities.[5]
Pests local experts flag
Local health officials say the lone star tick is found in suburban, lower-elevation areas like Roanoke's and transmits ehrlichiosis and alpha-gal syndrome.[1]
Climate
Central Roanoke (ZIP 24011) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 7b, where the average coldest winter night is 5 to 10°F.[11]
Public agencies that handle pests
- The Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts note that more than 15 tick types occur in Virginia, with blacklegged, lone star and American dog ticks of particular concern.[1]
- VDH says Lyme disease is prevalent in suburban parts of northern and western Virginia, including higher mountainous areas, and is spread by the blacklegged (deer) tick.[3]
- According to VDH, West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness acquired locally in Virginia; malaria, Zika, dengue and chikungunya cases are typically travel-related.[4]
Local rules and responsibilities
Roanoke's city code requires lawns to be mowed regularly with grass kept under 10 inches, and trash or debris may not accumulate in yards.[6]
Hiring a licensed company
In Virginia, every pest control company that uses pesticides must carry a pesticide business license, and its certified applicators must recertify every two years.[8]
Free local help
Virginia residents can email clear insect photos to Virginia Tech's Insect ID Lab, which sends its reply through the local Virginia Cooperative Extension agent.[10]
Through the year
- Summer to Fall
- The Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts say insect-borne disease cases typically peak in late summer and early autumn, and tick and mosquito season runs well into fall.[2]
- Spring to Fall
- Multicolored Asian lady beetles begin entering Virginia homes in early fall, peaking around October 15, with a second burst in late March as they try to get back outside.[9]
Sources
- Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts (Virginia Department of Health), “Fight the Bite: Tick-Borne Diseases.” www.vdh.virginia.gov/roanoke/2024/04/29/fight-the-bite-tick-borne-diseases/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts (Virginia Department of Health), “Insect-Borne Diseases Prevention and Treatment.” www.vdh.virginia.gov/roanoke/2022/08/29/community-update-week-of-august-29th-2022/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Virginia Department of Health, “Lyme Disease Awareness Month.” www.vdh.virginia.gov/blog/2025/05/27/lyme-disease-awareness-month/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Virginia Department of Health, “Mosquito Control Awareness Week.” www.vdh.virginia.gov/blog/2025/06/16/mosquito-control-awareness-week/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, “Spotted Lanternfly.” www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-spotted-lanternfly.shtml (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Roanoke, “Tenant Resident Guide to City Codes.” www.roanokeva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/155/Tenant-Resident-Guide-to-City-Codes-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 Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech), “Selecting a Pest Control Company.” www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/ENTO/ento-558/ENTO-558.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech), “Multicolored Asian Ladybird Beetle in Virginia.” www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/444/444-275/ENTO-618.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Virginia Tech Department of Entomology, “Virginia Tech Insect ID Lab.” www.ento.vt.edu/idlab.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 24011 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/24011.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)