Pests to know in Spokane
Termites in Spokane
Subterranean termites are present in the Spokane area. WSU's structural pest program published termite distribution maps for Greater, Northeast, Northwest and South Spokane, showing termites mostly in loamy soils.[6]
Pests local experts flag
- Ticks in the Spokane region have caused cases of relapsing fever and Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the past, so SRHD advises controlling leaf litter and high grass around homes.[1]
- Black flies (buffalo gnats) bother people living near Spokane-area rivers and streams. SRHD says they don't spread disease in North America, but their bites can swell, bleed and itch.[4]
- Tick-borne relapsing fever is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease acquired in Washington, with most cases coming from the eastern Cascade slopes and the state's northeastern corner.[5]
Climate
Central Spokane (ZIP 99201) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 7a, where the average coldest winter night is 0 to 5°F.[10]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Spokane Regional Health District says mosquitoes in the Spokane region are known to carry West Nile virus, and urges residents to drain and routinely empty anything outside that holds water.[1]
- SRHD notes that in Washington, hantavirus is spread by the deer mouse, and typically one to five cases are reported statewide each year.[2]
- Washington's Department of Health says hantavirus-infected deer mice live throughout the state, so people can be at risk in any part of Washington, including Spokane County.[3]
- West Nile virus was first detected in a Spokane County animal in 2009, when a dead magpie reported from the West Plains area tested positive.[9]
Hiring a licensed company
The Washington State Department of Agriculture licenses pesticide applicators and structural pest inspectors, and license holders must recertify every five years.[8]
Free local help
WSU Extension Spokane County Master Gardeners run a Plant Clinic at 222 N Havana St, where certified volunteers help identify pest infestations and plant problems.[7]
Through the year
- Summer to Fall
- Mosquito surveillance in Spokane County has historically confirmed West Nile virus spreading to people, horses and birds, with activity peaking in late summer and early fall.[1]
- Spring to Fall
- WSU Extension adds satellite plant clinics at Spokane's Shadle Park and South Hill libraries from May through September for insect and plant problem questions.[7]
Sources
- Spokane Regional Health District, “Health District Encourages Community to Confront Seasonal Pests Head On.” srhd.org/news/health-district-encourages-community-to-confront-seasonal-pests-head-on-2 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Spokane Regional Health District, “Hantavirus.” srhd.org/health-topics/diseases-conditions/hantavirus (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Washington State Department of Health, “Hantavirus.” doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/hantavirus (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Spokane Regional Health District, “Black Flies.” srhd.org/health-topics/environmental-health/black-flies (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Washington State Department of Health, “Tick-borne Relapsing Fever.” doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/relapsing-fever (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Washington State University, “Subterranean Termite Distribution in Washington State.” structuralpest.wsu.edu/stmp/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- WSU Extension Spokane County, “Plant Clinics.” extension.wsu.edu/spokane/mg/plant-clinics/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Washington State Department of Agriculture, “Pesticide Licensing and Recertification.” agr.wa.gov/services/licenses-permits-and-certificates/pesticide-license-and-recertification (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Spokane Regional Health District, “West Nile Virus Found in Spokane Bird.” srhd.org/news/west-nile-virus-found-in-spokane-bird (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 99201 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/99201.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)