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Pests and pest control in Virginia

Pests to know in Virginia

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

Pests documented in Virginia

From public GBIF occurrence records since 1990. A record means a species was documented in Virginia, not that it's common near you.

Many public records (809)

Fewer public records (140)

Range named by extension sources (1)

Invasive species reported here

Spotted lanternfly was first found in Virginia in 2018 and has since been found in more than half of the state's counties and independent cities.[2]

Pests local experts flag

  • Lyme disease is commonly reported in Virginia, especially in suburban areas of northern and western Virginia.[3]
  • Lyme disease in Virginia is spread by the blacklegged (deer) tick, which is common in those regions.[3]

Public agencies that handle pests

West Nile virus is the most common locally acquired mosquito-borne illness in Virginia.[4]

Hiring a licensed company

Virginia's pesticide regulatory agency is the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Office of Pesticide Services).[1]

Licensing agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services — Office of Pesticide Services[1].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

The Virginia Tech Insect ID Lab identifies insects from photos emailed by Virginia residents and replies through the local Virginia Cooperative Extension agent.[7]

Local guides in Virginia

Through the year

Spring to Fall
The Virginia Department of Health says mosquito season runs from early May to early November.[5]
Summer to Fall
Fall webworm silk nests appear on Virginia trees in mid- to late summer.[6]

Sources

  1. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, “Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma Delicatula).” www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-spotted-lanternfly.shtml (accessed 2026-10-06)
  3. Virginia Department of Health, “Lyme Disease Awareness Month.” www.vdh.virginia.gov/lyme-disease/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  4. Virginia Department of Health, “Mosquito Control Awareness Week.” www.vdh.virginia.gov/mosquito/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  5. Virginia Department of Health, “Mosquitoes.” www.vdh.virginia.gov/mosquitoes/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  6. Virginia Cooperative Extension, “Fall Webworm in Virginia.” pubs.ext.vt.edu/2808/2808-1013/2808-1013.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  7. Virginia Tech Department of Entomology, “Virginia Tech Insect ID Lab.” ento.vt.edu/idlab.html (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-06. Every statement on this page comes from the cited state, federal or university source. Spot an error? Tell us.