Pests to know in San Jose
Termites in San Jose
Subterranean termites in the genus Reticulitermes occur in nearly all regions of California and are the state's most destructive termites.[6]
Invasive species reported here
Pests local experts flag
- The county vector district handles requests about mosquitoes, rodents and wildlife plus ticks, yellow jackets, cockroaches, bees, fleas and flies.[1]
- Santa Clara County says rats and mice are an ongoing problem for its residents; the vector district offers free consultations and the Division of Agriculture identifies pests.[5]
Climate
Central San Jose (ZIP 95113) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 9b, where the average coldest winter night is 25 to 30°F.[9]
Public agencies that handle pests
- The Santa Clara County Vector Control District was formed in May 1988 and provides mosquito, rat and other vector and wildlife control services throughout the county, including San Jose.[1]
- Santa Clara County residents can request a free home and yard consultation from the Vector Control District for rodent, wildlife and mosquito problems.[1]
- The Vector Control District asks San Jose-area residents who get mosquito bites during the day to report them right away, since daytime biting signals invasive Aedes.[2]
Local rules and responsibilities
- The Santa Clara County Vector Control District removes yellowjacket nests for free only in public areas; residents must hire a pest control service for nests on private property.[4]
- California prohibits most uses of first- and second-generation anticoagulant rat poisons, so these products are generally unavailable for structural pest control.[8]
Hiring a licensed company
The state pesticide regulatory agency for California is the California Environmental Protection Agency (Department of Pesticide Regulation), which oversees pesticide applicator certification and licensing.[10]
Free local help
UC IPM notes dampwood termites are common in central and northern coastal California, which includes the Bay Area; they need moist wood, often in soil contact.[7]
Through the year
- Spring to Fall
- In California, subterranean termite swarmers emerge on warm, sunny days following fall or spring rains.[6]
Sources
- Santa Clara LAFCO, “Santa Clara County Vector Control District Service Review.” santaclaralafco.org/sites/default/files/service_reviews/7cVectorControl.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Santa Clara County Vector Control District, “Non-native Aedes aegypti mosquitoes detected in the County of Santa Clara.” vector.santaclaracounty.gov/node/121 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Santa Clara County Vector Control District, “Non-Native Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes Detected Again in Santa Clara County.” vector.santaclaracounty.gov/non-native-aedes-aegypti-mosquitoes-detected-again-santa-clara-county (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Santa Clara County Vector Control District, “Request yellowjacket nest removal (in public areas only).” vector.santaclaracounty.gov/node/826 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- County of Santa Clara Division of Agriculture, “Animals and Insects of Medical Importance.” ag.santaclaracounty.gov/identify-insects-and-pests/animals-and-insects-medical-importance (accessed 2026-10-06)
- UC Statewide IPM Program (UC Agriculture and Natural Resources), “Subterranean and Other Termites.” ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/subterranean-and-other-termites/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- UC Statewide IPM Program (UC Agriculture and Natural Resources), “Drywood Termites.” ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/drywood-termites/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- UC Statewide IPM Program (UC Agriculture and Natural Resources), “Rats.” ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/rats/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 95113 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/95113.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)