Pest Control in St. Augustine, FL: Historic Homes to Beach Cottages
Pest control in St. Augustine means protecting old wood, salt-air cottages and busy lawns from termites, roof rats and marsh mosquitoes. Call Bastion Pest Pros any hour and we’ll get a licensed local pro on it; call to check same-day or next-day availability, and calling is free.
- St. Johns County
- Downtown, Lincolnville, Anastasia Island and beyond
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Pests around homes like yours
Tap a spot or a pestPest Control in St. Augustine at a Glance
Founded in 1565, the city combines old buildings, tidal marsh and frequent rain, and pests use all three.
- The cityFounded September 8, 1565; 14,329 residents in the 2020 census.
- RainAbout 50.6 inches a year on 1991–2020 normals, with August and September the wettest months at about 7.2 inches each.
- WinterAbout 4.6 frosts a year on average; the record low is 10°F (January 21, 1985).
- Mosquito agencyThe Anastasia Mosquito Control District of St. Johns County takes service requests at (904) 471-3107 or online.
- Cost$150–$400 for a one-time general treatment is a broad U.S. guide estimate, not a city average.
- 50.6 inRain a year
- AugustWettest month
- Some wintersFreeze risk
Hurricane season June 1–November 30; Matthew flooded downtown in 2016
Climate normals: 1991–2020
- Mosquito control
Anastasia Mosquito Control District
Phone, online request form or app
(904) 471-3107 - Pest ID & advice
UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County
Insect identification; 3125 Agricultural Center Drive
(904) 209-0430
Public agencies, separate from private pest control. Numbers as listed by each agency.
- Oct 2026Anastasia district posted aerial larvicide and adulticide missions
- 2016Hurricane Matthew flooded downtown St. Augustine
Dated events. Check the county or health department for current notices.
Why the Old City Draws So Many Pests
St. Augustine sits between the Matanzas River, the Atlantic and miles of salt marsh. The table shows how that setting feeds local pest problems.
| Local condition | What it means for pests |
|---|---|
| Tidal marsh along the Matanzas River and creeks such as Hospital Creek | Salt marsh mosquitoes hatch in huge numbers after high tides and rain |
| Centuries-old streets with homes built close together | Rats, roaches and termites move easily between neighbouring buildings |
| Older wood framing, porches and outbuildings | More aged, sometimes damp wood for subterranean and drywood termites |
| A tourism-driven economy with many restaurants and inns | Roaches and rodents follow food waste; bed bugs travel in luggage |
| Live oaks and palms over rooftops | Roof rats and squirrels use them as bridges into attics |
| Hurricane and tidal flooding, as in Hurricane Matthew in 2016 | Water-damaged wood and displaced pests weeks after a storm |
Common Pests in St. Augustine
These are the pests that most often bring local homeowners to the phone, with where they show up and how urgent they are.
- Act this week
Mosquitoes
- When
- Late summer; after tides and rain
- Where
- Marsh edges, yards, planters, gutters
- Act today
Eastern subterranean termites
- When
- Swarms December–April
- Where
- Sills, porch posts, wood touching soil
- Act today
Formosan subterranean termites
- When
- Swarms late April–early May at dusk
- Where
- Wet wood, trees, flat roofs
- Act today
Drywood termites
- When
- Swarms spring into fall
- Where
- Attic rafters, trim, antique furniture
- Act today
Roof rats
- When
- All year; more indoors after frost
- Where
- Attics, palm heads, sheds
- Act this week
Cockroaches
- When
- All year
- Where
- Kitchens, crawl spaces, drains, restaurants
- Act this week
Fire ants and chinch bugs
- When
- Spring through fall
- Where
- Lawns of St. Augustinegrass, playgrounds
- Act today
Raccoons and coyotes
- When
- All year
- Where
- Garbage cans, crawl spaces, dune edges
Not sure what you’re dealing with? Describe it on the call.Licensed local pros · 24/7 call line · Free to call
Call now (844) 442-2144Mosquito Control in St. Augustine: The Anastasia District
The Anastasia Mosquito Control District of St. Johns County (AMCD) handles mosquito control in St. Augustine and across the county, with ground and aerial work, surveillance and research.
| How to reach AMCD | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | (904) 471-3107 |
| Online | Service request form on amcdsjc.org; the district also points residents to its app |
| Spray schedule | Fogging zones and the control schedule are posted on the district’s events page |
| Methods | Ground adulticiding at night, aerial adulticiding and aerial larviciding |
Communities AMCD lists: St. Augustine Beach, Vilano Beach, Crescent Beach, Butler Beach, St. Augustine Shores, St. Augustine South, World Golf Village, Elkton, Hastings and others.
The district posts its missions ahead of time; in late October 2026, for example, notices covered morning aerial larvicide flights and evening ground and aerial adulticide work, all weather permitting. A licensed pro can add yard treatments; see mosquito control.
Salt Marsh Mosquitoes vs Backyard Mosquitoes
Not every mosquito in St. Augustine comes from your yard. Knowing the source tells you who can fix it.
| Mosquito | Where it breeds | Why it matters | Who helps most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black salt marsh mosquito (Aedes taeniorhynchus) | Tidal marsh flooded by high tides and rain | Huge, aggressive swarms; can carry dog heartworm | AMCD’s aerial and ground work |
| Yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) | Bottle caps, saucers, bromeliads, gutters | Can carry dengue, chikungunya and Zika | You, plus a licensed pro |
| Southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus) | Ditches, storm drains, foul water | Can carry West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis | AMCD and draining standing water |
Container checklist for downtown courtyards and beach decks
- Empty fountains, urns and planter saucers weekly
- Flush bromeliads or swap them for plants that don’t hold water
- Clean gutters under live oaks after storms
- Store kayaks and paddleboards upside down
- Repair torn porch screens before summer
Termites in St. Augustine’s Historic Homes
Termite control in St. Augustine is about protecting old wood that can’t easily be replaced. Lincolnville alone was listed on the National Register in 1991 with 548 contributing buildings, and old wood porches, sills and siding near the ground are what subterranean termites target first.
| Termite | How to recognise it | What it attacks here |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern subterranean (native, statewide) | Mud tubes on foundations and piers; daytime swarms | Sills, joists, porch posts, wood in soil contact |
| Formosan subterranean (invasive) | Dense dusk swarms; colonies can reach a million; carton nests in trees | Wet wood, trees, roof leaks, flat roofs |
| Southeastern drywood (native) | Hard pellets kicked out of wood | Attic rafters and trim |
| West Indian drywood (invasive) | Six-sided pellets; found only in structures | Furniture, trim and framing |
Coquina walls don’t feed termites, but the wood floors, roofs and trim set into them do. Book a termite inspection and see termite control.
- 1A historic St
- 2Augustine house
- 3Coquina or brick foundation
- 4Wood sills and porch posts with subterranean mud tubes
- 5Drywood pellets falling from attic rafters
- 6A live oak branch touching the roof
- Eastern subterraneanDaytime · Mid-morning to early afternoon, often after rain
- Formosan subterraneanAt dusk · Large swarms around porch and street lights
- Southeastern drywoodAt dusk · Small evening swarms; wings on sills
Months as listed on this page. Swarmers indoors usually mean a colony nearby; save a few for the pro.
Drywood or Subterranean: Choosing a Treatment
The termite species decides the method, so the pro identifies it first. Drywood termites live entirely inside wood, so soil treatments and bait stations don’t reach them.
| Subterranean termites | Drywood termites | |
|---|---|---|
| Main methods | Liquid soil barrier or bait stations | Spot treatment, or whole-structure fumigation or heat |
| When tenting comes up | Rarely | When the infestation is widespread or hard to reach |
| Historic-home concern | Soil access around old foundations and porches | Plaster, antiques and tight attics |
| Contract | Usually separate from drywood | Usually separate from subterranean |
FDACS suggests getting at least three opinions and estimates from licensed companies. Read more about tent fumigation.
Termite Swarm Season in St. Johns County
Northeast Florida gets termite swarms from winter into fall, depending on the species. Save a few swarmers in a sealed bag for the pro.
| Months | Termite | What you’ll see |
|---|---|---|
| December–April (sometimes May) | Eastern subterranean | Daytime swarms, mid-morning to early afternoon, often after rain |
| Late April–July | Formosan subterranean | Large swarms at dusk around porch and street lights |
| About May–November | Southeastern drywood | Small evening swarms; wings on window sills |
UF researchers report Formosan termites in most coastal counties and major urban centres in Florida, and their range keeps growing.
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Call now (844) 442-2144Rodent Control in St. Augustine
Rodent control in St. Augustine centres on the roof rat, Florida’s main household rat. It climbs palms, oaks and power lines and nests high in attics and soffits.
Breeding
Roof rats breed all year in Florida, with litters of 5–8 and up to 4 or 5 litters a year.
Cold-weather push
On frosty nights, rats and mice move into warm attics and garages.
Tight streets
In the historic core, rats travel along shared walls, fences and overhanging branches.
Damage
They chew wiring, which can start fires, and can spread murine typhus.
Trapping works best combined with sealing every gap larger than a pencil. See rodent control and rat removal.
Roaches in Old Buildings, Inns and Restaurants
The city’s mix of historic homes, inns and restaurants keeps roaches busy all year. Two very different groups show up.
| Roach | Where it lives | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| American cockroach | Drains, crawl spaces, sewers, old basements | Sealing drains and gaps; outdoor and crawl space treatment |
| Florida woods cockroach (palmetto bug) | Leaf litter, mulch, tree holes | An outside barrier and tidy beds |
| German cockroach | Kitchens and bathrooms | Indoor baits, crack-and-crevice work and follow-ups |
Restaurants, inns and vacation rentals need documented service; see commercial pest control and cockroach control.
Fire Ants and Chinch Bugs in St. Augustine Lawns
Many local lawns are St. Augustinegrass, which brings two different bugs: fire ants that sting and chinch bugs that kill turf; UF/IFAS calls the southern chinch bug the grass’s most damaging insect pest.
| Pest | What you see | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Red imported fire ant | Fluffy soil mounds; painful stings | Broadcast bait plus mound treatment |
| Southern chinch bug | Yellow, then brown, spreading patches in sunny, dry spots | Confirm the bug first, then a targeted treatment |
| Ghost and other sugar ants | Trails in kitchens and bathrooms | Slow-acting baits, not sprays |
How to check for chinch bugs: push an open-ended can 2–3 inches into the soil at the edge of healthy grass, fill it with water and watch for bugs floating up within 5 minutes.
Chinch bugs have built resistance to several insecticide groups, so the pro should rotate products. More on ant control and fire ant control.
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Call now (844) 442-2144Raccoons, Coyotes, Bats and Sea Turtle Rules
Wildlife calls here range from raccoons in crawl spaces to bats in attics. Each animal has its own Florida rule.
| Animal | Rule in plain words | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Raccoons | Trapping and relocation rules apply; FWC does not license nuisance wildlife operators | A qualified provider who seals entry points; ask which permits apply |
| Coyotes | Found in all 67 Florida counties; removal alone rarely solves the problem | Keep pets in at dawn and dusk; secure garbage; close crawl spaces |
| Bats | Exclusion normally allowed August 15–April 15; during the April 16–August 14 maternity season it needs an FWC permit | One-way exit devices in fall or winter |
| Armadillos | Landowners may live-trap under FWC rules | Water and fertilize less so there are fewer grubs |
| Sea turtles (beachfront homes) | Nesting season runs May 1–October 31, and beachfront properties must eliminate lights that disturb nesting turtles | Ask the pro before adding outdoor bug lights near the dunes |
Residents have reported coyote sightings in northern St. Johns County. See wildlife removal and bat removal.
St. Augustine Weather and Pest Seasons
The weather here is milder than inland North Florida but cooler than South Florida. Each season shifts pests.
Winter
Frost a few nights most years; record low 10°F · Rats, mice and roaches head indoors; subterranean swarms begin
Spring
Warming, drier spells · Termite swarms; lovebug flight in April–May; lawn chinch bugs
Summer
Heavy rain; August and September the wettest months · Mosquitoes, roaches and fire ants peak
Fall
Hurricane season runs June 1–November 30 · Flooding, as in Hurricane Matthew, drives pests indoors and soaks wood
After a storm, dry out and repair wet wood fast, because subterranean termites target it.
St. Augustine Neighbourhoods and Home Types
Housing here runs from colonial-era streets to modern beach homes, and each type has its own weak spots.
Downtown and the colonial core
Narrow streets and shared walls; coquina, tabby and wood buildings close together.
Lincolnville
Founded by freedmen in 1866 on the city’s southwest peninsula, with small lots and houses built close to the street. Older wood porches and sills need termite checks.
Nelmar Terrace and Fullerwood Park
National Register districts north of downtown between San Marco Avenue and Hospital Creek; marsh edges add mosquitoes and moisture.
Anastasia Island
Beach homes and condos face salt air, wind-driven rain and sea turtle lighting rules.
Newer subdivisions off the island
Slab homes, golf course lots and retention ponds bring fire ants, subterranean termites and mosquitoes.
Vacation Rentals, Students and Landlords
St. Augustine has many short-term rentals and the students of Flagler College, so pest duties often fall on hosts and landlords.
| Situation | What usually applies |
|---|---|
| Renting an apartment or covered unit (not a house or duplex) | Under Fla. Stat. 83.51, unless agreed otherwise in writing, the landlord must provide extermination of rats, mice, roaches, ants, wood-destroying organisms and bed bugs |
| Treatment means you must leave | 7 days’ written notice, no more than 4 days out, rent reduced |
| Renting a house or duplex | Duties depend on Florida law and the lease |
| Hosting a vacation rental | Bed bugs arrive in luggage; ask the pro about inspections between guests |
| Student housing | Shared furniture and frequent move-ins raise bed bug risk |
This is general information, not legal advice. See bed bug treatment.
Ready when you are. One call, any pest.Licensed local pros · 24/7 call line · Free to call
Call now (844) 442-2144What the Pro Inspects in a St. Augustine Home
Expect the inspection to cover the whole structure, not just the room with the problem.
- Sills, porch posts and crawl spaces for mud tubes and soft wood
- Attic rafters and trim for drywood pellets and rat droppings
- Rooflines, soffits and live oak branches for rodent entry
- Plumbing, drains and AC lines for roaches and moisture
- Lawn edges for fire ant mounds and chinch bug patches
- Containers, gutters and marsh-side yards for mosquito breeding
You should leave knowing the pest, the method, the number of visits and the full price.
How to Get an Exterminator in St. Augustine
Getting a licensed exterminator in St. Augustine to your door takes one call.
- Step 1
Call (844) 442-2144
The line is open 24/7.
- Step 2
Describe what you’re seeing
The pest, where it is, how long it’s been going on and your ZIP code.
- Step 3
Mention the building
Historic home, beach condo, vacation rental or business all change the plan.
- Step 4
A licensed local pro follows up
They inspect, quote and schedule. Ask about same-day or next-day times.
There’s no cost to call and no obligation to book.
Start with step 1. It’s free.
Calling costs nothing. You only pay the pest control company if you book the service they quote.
Call (844) 442-2144Ask about same-day or next-day availability
What Pest Control in St. Augustine Costs
These figures are broad U.S. guide estimates from one pricing guide, not measured local prices. The provider inspects and quotes.
Regular visits; the provider sets the schedule.
Source: AlwaysDoBetter 2026 pest control pricing guide.
Show as a table
| Service | Broad U.S. guide estimate |
|---|---|
| One-time general pest treatment | $150–$400 |
| Ongoing pest plan | $40–$100 per month |
| Rodent exclusion (sealing entry points) | $300–$1,000 |
| Bed bug treatment | $300–$1,500 |
| Termite treatment | $1,500–$4,000 |
Checking a Pest Company’s License
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) licenses structural pest control businesses. Wildlife work falls under separate FWC rules.
Look up the company
on the FDACS pest control licensing page; confirm the license is active.
Ask who the certified operator in charge is.
Each licensed location must have one.
Check ID cards.
The person treating your home should carry an FDACS identification card.
Get termite work in writing.
Florida requires written contracts for termite and WDO work.
For insect identification, the UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County office is at 3125 Agricultural Center Drive, (904) 209-0430.
St. Augustine Pest Calendar
Northeast Florida pests follow both frost and rain. Use this as a rough guide.
Jan–Feb
Rats and mice in attics; first subterranean termite swarms on warm days
Mar–Apr
Subterranean swarms; lovebugs begin; fire ants rebuild mounds
May
Formosan swarms at dusk; sea turtle nesting season and lighting rules begin
Jun–Jul
Chinch bugs in dry lawns; roaches and mosquitoes climb; hurricane season starts
Aug–Sep
Wettest months; salt marsh mosquito broods; second lovebug flight
Oct–Nov
Drywood swarms taper off; rodents look for winter shelter
Dec
Rodents indoors; subterranean swarm season can begin
Bat exclusion is restricted April 16 to August 14, so book it in fall or winter.
Still deciding? Calling is free and there’s no obligation.Licensed local pros · 24/7 call line · Free to call
Call now (844) 442-2144Prevention Checklist for St. Augustine Homes
These habits make the next problem less likely. Most cost nothing.
Outside
- Trim live oak and palm branches back from the roof
- Keep mulch and firewood a few feet from the foundation
- Use lidded trash cans and put them out on pickup morning
- Water and fertilize St. Augustinegrass moderately, since overfertilizing can encourage chinch bugs
Inside
- Store food and pet food in sealed containers
- Fix leaks under sinks and around AC drain lines
- Check luggage and secondhand furniture for bed bugs
Wood
- Look at sills and porch posts for mud tubes twice a year
- Repair roof leaks and storm-damaged wood quickly
Areas Covered Around St. Augustine
These ZIP codes are shown for reference, not as guaranteed coverage. Call (844) 442-2144 with your ZIP code to check whether a provider can take your request.
St. Augustine-area ZIP codes (for reference, 5 codes)
- 32080
- 32084
- 32086
- 32092
- 32095
Nearby communities: Elkton, St. Augustine Beach, Vilano Beach, Crescent Beach, World Golf Village, Hastings
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Pest Control in St. Augustine FAQs
What bug killer is best for St. Augustine grass?
It depends on the bug. The southern chinch bug is the most damaging insect of St. Augustinegrass, and it resists several insecticide groups, so UF/IFAS advises confirming the pest first and rotating products. A licensed lawn pro can choose a targeted treatment instead of a blanket spray.
Is St. Augustine, Florida a safe place to live, pest-wise?
Pest-wise, it’s a typical Northeast Florida city: termites, roof rats, roaches and mosquitoes are common but manageable. Older wood homes and marsh-side lots need more regular checks. Regular inspections and a prevention plan keep most problems small.
Who sprays for mosquitoes in St. Augustine?
The Anastasia Mosquito Control District of St. Johns County. Call (904) 471-3107 or use the online request form on its website. The district posts fogging zones and aerial mission schedules, and a private pro can treat your own yard on top of that.
Why are mosquitoes so bad near the marsh?
Black salt marsh mosquitoes lay eggs on tidal mud that hatch when high tides or rain flood it, producing large broods. AMCD treats marsh breeding areas, while emptying containers at home controls backyard species such as Aedes aegypti.
Do historic homes in St. Augustine need special termite treatment?
They often need a gentler, more careful plan. Old sills, porches and plaster walls limit drilling and access, so the pro may favour bait stations or spot treatments. Ask how the method protects historic materials before signing.
When do termites swarm in St. Augustine?
Eastern subterranean termites swarm from about December to April during the day. Formosan termites swarm at dusk from late April into summer, and southeastern drywood termites from about May to November.
Do vacation rentals need regular pest control?
Guests bring luggage from everywhere, and bed bugs can come with it. Hosts usually benefit from a scheduled plan plus a quick bed bug check between stays. For covered apartment rentals, Florida law also places extermination duties on the landlord.
Are coyotes a problem around St. Augustine?
Coyotes live in all 67 Florida counties, and residents in northern St. Johns County have reported them near homes. Keep cats and small dogs inside at dawn and dusk, secure garbage and pet food, and close off crawl spaces.
Does it cost anything to call about pest control in St. Augustine?
No. Calling is free. You only pay the pest control company if you book the service it quotes.
Didn’t see your question?
Call and ask. The line is open 24/7 and calling is free.
- Your ZIP code
- What you’re seeing and where
- How long it’s been going on
No obligation to book.
Protect Your Piece of the Old City
Termites, rats and mosquitoes are easier to stop early. Call now to set up pest control in St. Augustine with a licensed local pro.
Call now (844) 442-2144