Pests to know in Winston-Salem
Termites in Winston-Salem
Eastern subterranean termites occur in every North Carolina county, so homes statewide face ongoing risk, according to NC State Extension.[4]
Invasive species reported here
North Carolina's first live spotted lanternfly population was found in June 2022 in Forsyth County, near the Guilford County line.[5]
Pests local experts flag
Forsyth County health officials list seven mosquito-borne diseases in North Carolina people or pets; West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and La Crosse viruses plus dog heartworm are most common.[1]
Climate
Central Winston-Salem (ZIP 27101) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8a, where the average coldest winter night is 10 to 15°F.[8]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Forsyth County's Vector Control Section investigates complaints about mosquitoes, ticks, and bed bugs, plus rat bites to people, and offers consultation; mosquito control is its main focus.[1]
- Forsyth County vector control staff hold Public Pesticide Operator licenses in the Public Health category, issued by the North Carolina Pesticide Board.[1]
- The county sets adult mosquito traps around Forsyth County, identifies the species caught, and tests pooled samples for West Nile virus.[1]
Local rules and responsibilities
Hiring a licensed company
In North Carolina, anyone doing structural pest control work for hire must hold a license or be employed and supervised by a licensee.[7]
Free local help
Forsyth County's Extension center says spotted lanternfly sightings in Forsyth, Guilford, and Davidson counties no longer need reporting because the pest is established there.[6]
Through the year
- Summer to Fall
- North Carolina health officials say most mosquito-borne (arboviral) illness cases happen from June through September, when mosquitoes are most active.[3]
- Spring to Summer
- NC State Extension says Eastern subterranean termites in North Carolina usually swarm from late spring to late summer, on warm, gusty days, especially after rain.[4]
Sources
- Forsyth County Department of Public Health, “Vector Control.” www.forsythcountync.gov/publichealth/EnvironmentalHealth/vector_control.aspx (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Forsyth County Board of Health, “Board of Health Rule Authorizing Mosquito Control.” www.forsythcountync.gov/hhs/assets/Documents/BOH_Rule_Authorizing_Mosquito_Control.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- NC Department of Health and Human Services, “Arboviral Infections.” epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/arbo.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- NC State Extension, “Biology and Behavior of Eastern Subterranean Termites.” content.ces.ncsu.edu/biology-behavior-of-eastern-subterranean-termites (accessed 2026-10-06)
- NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, “Spotted Lanternfly.” www.ncagr.gov/divisions/plant-industry/plant-protection/entomological-insect-services/spotted-lanternfly (accessed 2026-10-06)
- NC State Extension, Forsyth County Center, “Spotted Lanternfly in Forsyth County.” forsyth.ces.ncsu.edu/news/spotted-lanternfly-in-forsyth-county/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, “Structural Pest Control Licensing and Certification.” www.ncagr.gov/divisions/structural-pest-control-and-pesticides/structural/licensing-and-certification (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 27101 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/27101.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)