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Pests and pest control in Tacoma, WA

Pests to know in Tacoma

Why each one matters here is cited in the sections below.

Termites in Tacoma

WSU Extension lists two native termites in the region: the dampwood termite, which needs wet or rotting wood, and the subterranean termite, which commonly attacks sound wood in homes.[5]

Invasive species reported here

  • The Zika-spreading mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are not found in Washington, according to the state Department of Health.[4]
  • At the end of 2024, WSDA declared the northern giant hornet eradicated from Washington State after no hornets were detected from 2022 through 2024.[8]

Pests local experts flag

More than 40 mosquito species occur in Washington, and the state health department says many can carry diseases.[4]

Climate

Central Tacoma (ZIP 98402) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8b, where the average coldest winter night is 15 to 20°F.[10]

Public agencies that handle pests

  • The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department notes that ticks are less common in Washington than in other parts of the country.[1]
  • In August 2018, the state Department of Health found West Nile virus in mosquito samples from the Gog-le-hi-te Wetlands on the Tacoma tide flats.[2]
  • Washington DOH says hantavirus-infected deer mice live throughout the state, so people can be at risk of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome anywhere in Washington.[3]

Local rules and responsibilities

Tacoma FIRST 311 takes reports of garbage or debris on private property, which are assigned to the Planning & Development department.[9]

Hiring a licensed company

WSDA licenses two kinds of structural pest inspectors: one for complete inspections, such as for home purchases, and one for specific inspections before pest treatment.[7]

Licensing agency: Washington State Department of Agriculture — Pesticides and Fertilizers[11].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

WSU Extension Pierce County Master Gardeners answer gardening questions for free, including at a Proctor Farmers Market clinic in Tacoma on Saturdays from April through September.[6]

Through the year

Summer
The county health department says West Nile virus activity usually appears in early to mid-August.[2]
Summer to Fall
Per WSU, dampwood termites swarm in late summer or fall, especially after rain, while subterranean termites can swarm at any time of year.[5]

Sources

  1. Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, “Tickborne Illnesses.” tpchd.org/health/diseases/tickborne-illnesses/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, “West Nile Virus.” tpchd.org/health/diseases/west-nile-virus/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  3. Washington State Department of Health, “Hantavirus.” doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/hantavirus (accessed 2026-10-06)
  4. Washington State Department of Health, “Mosquitoes.” doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/pests/mosquitoes (accessed 2026-10-06)
  5. Washington State University Extension (PestSense), “Termites.” pestsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/termites/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  6. WSU Extension Pierce County, “Answer Clinic Locations.” extension.wsu.edu/pierce/mg-home/educational-outreach/ask-a-master-gardener/answer-clinics/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  7. Washington State Department of Agriculture, “Structural Pest Inspectors.” agr.wa.gov/services/licenses-permits-and-certificates/pesticide-license-and-recertification/pesticide-and-spi-licensing/commercial-applicators/structural-pest-inspectors (accessed 2026-10-06)
  8. Washington State Department of Agriculture, “Northern Giant Hornet FAQ.” agr.wa.gov/departments/insects-pests-and-weeds/insects/hornets/faq-s/northern-giant-hornet (accessed 2026-10-06)
  9. City of Tacoma, “Tacoma FIRST 311 Services.” tacoma.gov/services/tacoma-first-311-services/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  10. USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 98402 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/98402.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
  11. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-15. Every statement on this page comes from the cited local, state or university source. Spot an error? Tell us.