Pests and pest control in Washington, DC

Pests to know in Washington

• Subterranean termites
• Bed Bug
• Mosquito
• Spotted Lanternfly

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

Termites in Washington

University of Maryland Extension, a neighboring state's land-grant source, says the native termites in Maryland are subterranean termites in the genus Reticulitermes.^[1]

Invasive species reported here

Minutes from DC's Urban Forestry Advisory Council meeting say spotted lanternfly reports rose in the fall and dropped as the weather got colder.^[6]

Pests local experts flag

• DC Health's rodent unit does not treat bed bugs, but it offers education and limited supplies on request.^[2]
• DC Health's 2019–2022 arboviral report names the common house mosquito, Culex pipiens, as the main West Nile virus carrier in DC.^[4]

Climate

Central Washington (ZIP 20001) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8a, where the average coldest winter night is 10 to 15°F.^[7]

Public agencies that handle pests

• DC Health's Rodent and Vector Control Division reduces rodents and other vectors through surveys, inspections, baiting, enforcement and outreach.^[2]
• DC residents can report rodent problems by calling 311 or using 311.dc.gov and asking for the report to go to DC Health.^[2]
• DC's health department tests for West Nile virus seasonally and puts larvicide in catch basins, sewer drains and stagnant pools to control mosquitoes (2011 release).^[5]

Hiring a licensed company

The state pesticide regulatory agency for the District of Columbia is the Washington DC Department of Energy & Environment (Toxic Substance Division), which oversees pesticide applicator certification and licensing.^[8]

Licensing agency: Washington DC Department of Energy & Environment — Toxic Substance Division^[8].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

The University of the District of Columbia runs the DC Master Gardener program. It trains volunteers in sustainable urban gardening, and graduates go on to support garden projects in their communities.^[3]

Through the year

Summer to Fall

In DC Health's 2019–2022 report, all 17 West Nile cases began between July and September.^[4]

Sources

1. University of Maryland Extension, “Termites.” extension.umd.edu/resource/termites (accessed 2026-10-06)
2. DC Health, “Rodent and Vector Control Division.” dchealth.dc.gov/service/rodent-and-vector-control-division (accessed 2026-10-06)
3. University of the District of Columbia (CAUSES), “About Master Gardener Program.” udc.edu/causes/land-grant/center-for-urban-agriculture-gardening-education/master-gardener-program (accessed 2026-10-17)
4. DC Health, “Arboviral Disease Summary Report 2019 - 2022.” Dchealth.Dc.Gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doh/publication/attachments/Arboviral%20Disease%20Report%202019-2022_FINAL.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
5. DC Department of Health, “DC Department of Health Identifies West Nile Virus in Mosquitoes for the First Time This Summer.” dchealth.dc.gov/release/dc-department-health-identifies-west-nile-virus-mosquitoes-first-time-summer (accessed 2026-10-06)
6. DC Department of Energy and Environment, “UFAC Meeting Fall 24 Minutes.” doee.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doee/service_content/attachments/UFAC%20Meeting%20Fall%2024%20Minutes_0.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
7. USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 20001 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/20001.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
8. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)