Pests to know in Tallahassee
Termites in Tallahassee
UF/IFAS Extension Leon County advises keeping mulch at least one foot from the foundation and plants two feet off the house so termite activity is easier to spot.[5]
Invasive species reported here
The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), a non-native container breeder, is the most common mosquito in urban parts of Leon County.[2]
Pests local experts flag
Climate
Central Tallahassee (ZIP 32301) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 9a, where the average coldest winter night is 20 to 25°F.[9]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Leon County Mosquito Control serves Tallahassee with inspections, larvicide treatments, truck spraying and, where appropriate, mosquitofish placement, all at no cost to residents.[1]
- Leon County Mosquito Control uses sentinel chicken flocks to watch for Eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis.[1]
- Leon County's mosquito program covers residents inside Tallahassee city limits as well as the unincorporated county; demand peaks in summer and after heavy rains.[3]
- When sentinel chickens test positive, the Florida Department of Health in Leon County works with Leon County Mosquito Control on surveillance and prevention, and can issue mosquito-borne illness advisories.[4]
Local rules and responsibilities
Tallahassee Code Enforcement treats untended yard growth over 12 inches as a violation; violations can be reported to the hotline at 850-891-CODE (2633).[7]
Hiring a licensed company
Every structural pest control business location in Florida, Tallahassee included, must hold an FDACS license and employ a full-time Florida-certified operator in charge.[8]
Free local help
- The Leon County Extension office will confirm whether a suspected termite really is one, since winged ants are often mistaken for termites and the treatments differ.[5]
- UF/IFAS Extension Leon County teaches integrated pest management to home gardeners, and treats chemical controls as a last resort so pollinators and beneficial insects are spared.[6]
Through the year
- Spring to Fall
- Peak mosquito season in Leon County runs April through September, when the county hires about a dozen extra part-time mosquito control workers.[1]
Sources
- Leon County Government, “Mosquito Control.” cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works/Operations/Mosquito-Control (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Leon County Government, “History and Facts.” cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works/Operations/Mosquito-Control/Community-Education-and-Information/History-and-Facts (accessed 2026-10-06)
- UF/IFAS Extension Leon County, “Guest Article: Leon County Mosquito Control.” blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/leonco/2013/08/26/789/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Florida Department of Health in Leon County, “DOH-Leon Issues Mosquito-Borne Illness Advisory.” leon.floridahealth.gov/2025/09/04/doh-leon-issues-mosquito-borne-illness-advisory/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- UF/IFAS Extension Leon County, “Termite Prevention Tips.” blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/leonco/2026/05/15/termite-prevention-tips/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- UF/IFAS Extension Leon County, “Integrated Pest Management (IPM).” sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/leon/north-florida-agriculture/integrated-pest-management/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Tallahassee, “Common Violations and Tips.” mycityapps.talgov.com/Uploads/Public/Documents/code/commonviolations.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, “Pest Control Licensing and Certification.” www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Pest-Control/Licensing-and-Certification (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 32301 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/32301.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)