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Pests and pest control in Wisconsin

Pests to know in Wisconsin

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

Pests documented in Wisconsin

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

Many public records (634)

Fewer public records (175)

Range named by extension sources (3)

Termites in Wisconsin

The eastern subterranean termite is the only native termite in Wisconsin.[2]

Invasive species reported here

  • Fifty-six of Wisconsin's 72 counties are under quarantine for spongy moth.[3]
  • Emerald ash borer was first confirmed in Wisconsin in 2008 and has since been detected in all 72 counties.[4]

Pests local experts flag

Illnesses spread by ticks are common in Wisconsin.[6]

Public agencies that handle pests

The Culex mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are found in every Wisconsin county.[7]

Hiring a licensed company

Wisconsin's pesticide regulatory agency is the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (Bureau of Agrichemical Management).[1]

Licensing agency: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection — Bureau of Agrichemical Management[1].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

The University of Wisconsin Insect Diagnostic Lab provides insect diagnostic services to the general public as well as businesses and professionals.[9]

Local guides in Wisconsin

Through the year

Spring to Summer
Termite swarmers in Wisconsin are active from March through early June.[2]
Winter to Fall
Boxelder bugs become a nuisance on Wisconsin homes on sunny days in September and October, then move indoors to overwinter.[5]
Summer to Fall
Most mosquito-borne illness in Wisconsin occurs in summer and early fall, when mosquitoes are most active.[8]

Sources

  1. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. University of Wisconsin Insect Diagnostic Lab, “Termites in Wisconsin – Insect Lab Note.” insectid.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/267/2014/03/Termites.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
  3. Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, “Spongy Moth.” datcp.wi.gov/Pages/SpongyMoth.aspx (accessed 2026-10-06)
  4. Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, “Emerald Ash Borer.” datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/EAB.aspx (accessed 2026-10-06)
  5. University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension, “Boxelder Bugs.” hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/boxelder-bugs/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  6. Wisconsin Department of Health Services, “Illnesses Spread by Ticks.” www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/tick/index.htm (accessed 2026-10-06)
  7. Wisconsin Department of Health Services, “West Nile Virus.” www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/mosquito/wnv.htm (accessed 2026-10-06)
  8. Wisconsin Department of Health Services, “Illnesses Spread by Mosquitoes.” www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/mosquito/index.htm (accessed 2026-10-06)
  9. University of Wisconsin–Madison, “Insect Diagnostic Lab.” insectlab.russell.wisc.edu/ (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.