Pests and pest control in Wichita, KS

Pests to know in Wichita

• Mosquito
• Subterranean termites
• Western Drywood Termite

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

Termites in Wichita

• The Eastern subterranean termite is the most important and most widespread termite in Kansas; subterranean termites occur throughout the state.^[4]
• Drywood termites are rarely found in Kansas and usually arrive in furniture or wood moved from southern states.^[4]

Pests local experts flag

Culex mosquitoes are the primary West Nile virus vector monitored in Sedgwick County.^[1]

Climate

Central Wichita (ZIP 67202) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 7a, where the average coldest winter night is 0 to 5°F.^[6]

Public agencies that handle pests

• The Sedgwick County Health Department works with KDHE to monitor mosquitoes, using six traps around the county; KDHE tests them for West Nile virus.^[1]
• The Sedgwick County Health Department gives out Mosquito Dunks larvicide at no cost for standing water that cannot be dumped or covered.^[1]
• Sedgwick County health officials warn that mice can squeeze through a nickel-sized hole and rats through a half-dollar-sized hole; rodents can spread plague and hantavirus.^[2]
• Skunks and bats are the animals most commonly found with rabies in Kansas.^[3]

Local rules and responsibilities

Sedgwick County ordinances require all dogs, cats and ferrets to have current rabies vaccinations; Wichita residents report wild animal bites to Wichita Animal Services.^[3]

Hiring a licensed company

Commercial termite applicators in Kansas must pass the Category 7A Wood Destroying Pest Control certification exam and follow termite procedures in the Kansas Pesticide Law.^[4]

Licensing agency: Kansas Department of Agriculture — Pesticide & Fertilizer Program^[7].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

K-State Research and Extension Sedgwick County warns that oak leaf itch mites, which drop from pin oaks, emerge in the Midwest in late July, and bites intensify in fall.^[5]

Through the year

Summer to Fall

Sedgwick County runs weekly mosquito surveillance from June through October.^[1]

Spring

Eastern subterranean termites in Kansas usually swarm in April or May, generally within 10 days after a warm spring rain.^[4]

Sources

1. Sedgwick County Health Department, “Mosquitoes.” www.sedgwickcounty.org/health/health-data-and-statistics/disease-directory/mosquitoes/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
2. Sedgwick County Health Department, “Rodent Control.” www.sedgwickcounty.org/health/health-data-and-statistics/disease-directory/rodent-control/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
3. Sedgwick County Health Department, “Rabies: Facts and Details.” www.sedgwickcounty.org/health/health-data-and-statistics/disease-directory/rabies-facts-and-details/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
4. K-State Research and Extension, “Wood Destroying Pest Control, Category 7A (S8).” bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/wood-destroying-pest-control-category-7a_S8 (accessed 2026-10-06)
5. K-State Research and Extension Sedgwick County, “Oak Leaf Itch Mite.” www.sedgwick.k-state.edu/gardening-lawn-care/Oak%20Leaf%20Itch%20Mite%20-%20Nov%202014.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
6. USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 67202 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/67202.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
7. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)