Pests to know in Springfield
Termites in Springfield
- An Illinois Extension educator passes on a retired Extension entomologist's advice: a 12- to 18-inch bare dirt zone around the foundation is the best defense against most shelter-seeking insects, including termites.[6]
- Illinois Extension explains that winged ants have a pinched waist and clear wings, while winged termites lack the pinched waist and have whitish wings that lie parallel to each other.[7]
Invasive species reported here
The Illinois Department of Agriculture says emerald ash borer was first confirmed in Illinois on June 9, 2006, in two ash trees in a Kane County subdivision.[11]
Pests local experts flag
IDPH says the inland floodwater mosquito is the most common floodwater mosquito in Illinois and commonly flies 10 or more miles from where it hatches.[3]
Climate
Central Springfield (ZIP 62701) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 6a, where the average coldest winter night is -10 to -5°F.[12]
Public agencies that handle pests
- The Sangamon County Department of Public Health reports that since 2002 the county has had at least one confirmed rabid bat every year except 2008.[1]
- The Illinois Department of Public Health says at least 15 tick species occur in Illinois, but people mostly meet five: American dog, lone star, blacklegged (deer), brown dog and winter ticks.[2]
- IDPH notes that Culex house mosquitoes, unlike mosquitoes killed by autumn's first hard frost, can survive winter in sewers, crawlspaces and basements.[4]
Hiring a licensed company
- Illinois structural pest control technician certification must be renewed by December 1 every three years to avoid late fees, according to IDPH.[8]
- Illinois' Structural Pest Control Act requires public schools and licensed day care centers to develop and implement an integrated pest management program when economically feasible.[9]
Free local help
Illinois Extension identified central Illinois around Springfield as one of the few places where the northern and southern periodical cicada broods could emerge in the same area.[5]
Through the year
- Winter to Fall
- IDPH says boxelder bugs gather on trees, rocks, woodpiles and buildings in autumn before seeking shelter for the winter, often slipping under siding and around window frames.[10]
Sources
- Sangamon County Department of Public Health, “Animal Control & Adoption Center.” sangamonil.gov/departments/m-r/public-health/animal-control-and-adoption (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Illinois Department of Public Health, “Common Ticks.” dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/structural-pest-control/common-ticks.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Illinois Department of Public Health, “Mosquitoes.” dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/structural-pest-control/mosquitoes.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Illinois Department of Public Health, “Mosquitoes and Disease.” dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/structural-pest-control/mosquitoes-disease.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Illinois Extension, “Cicadas are coming: Periodical cicadas in Illinois.” extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2024-02-22-cicadas-are-coming-periodical-cicadas-illinois-2024 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Illinois Extension, “Termite troubles: Three tips for preventing infestations.” extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2024-07-26-termite-troubles-three-tips-preventing-infestations (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Illinois Extension, “Swarming insects.” extension.illinois.edu/blogs/down-garden-path/2017-06-01-swarming-insects (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Illinois Department of Public Health, “Structural Pest Control.” dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/structural-pest-control.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Illinois Department of Public Health, “Integrated Pest Management (IPM).” dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/structural-pest-control/integrated-pest-management.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Illinois Department of Public Health, “Occasional Invaders.” dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/structural-pest-control/occasional-invaders.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Illinois Department of Agriculture, “Emerald Ash Borer.” agr.illinois.gov/insects/pests/emeraldashborer.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 62701 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/62701.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)