Pest infestations — whether insects, rodents, wildlife, or invasive plants — are a common challenge in New Hampshire. Knowing where to get reliable identification, who enforces rules, what to do in an emergency, and how to protect yourself and your property makes the response faster, safer, and more effective. This article lays out practical, state-specific steps for homeowners, renters, landlords, farmers, and municipal staff, and explains which agencies and organizations to contact for different pest problems.
Before contacting an agency or hiring a contractor, take steps to limit harm and preserve evidence. Immediate actions influence both public health and the effectiveness of later control measures.
Understanding which office handles which type of pest will speed a response and reduce confusion. Below are the most relevant agencies and organizations for pest identification, reporting, enforcement, and technical help in New Hampshire.
UNH Cooperative Extension is the first stop for identification and management advice. Extension staff and county educators can identify insects, plant pests, and common structural pests from photos or samples, and advise on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that emphasize nonchemical controls and safe pesticide use.
Services commonly provided by UNH Extension:
NHDAMF has responsibilities related to plant pests, pesticide regulation, and licensing of structural and agricultural pesticide applicators. Contact NHDAMF when you need:
DHHS oversees public health responses for pest-related risks. Local city or county health departments respond to nuisances that affect community health, including rodents, bed bugs in multiunit housing, and vector-borne disease surveillance (ticks and mosquitoes).
Report or contact DHHS/local health department if:
For wildlife intrusions (bats in attics, raccoons, skunks, foxes) and possible rabies exposures, New Hampshire Fish and Game is the primary agency for recommendations on capture, testing, and public safety. They can assist with nuisance wildlife guidance and lawful removal or referral to licensed wildlife control operators.
Contact Fish and Game for:
Health, building, and housing codes are enforced locally. In multiunit housing, property managers and landlords must often meet habitability standards; municipal code enforcement or building inspectors can order remediation or require contractors to perform work to bring a unit into compliance.
If infestation affects multiple units or is a code violation, file a complaint with your city or town code enforcement office.
For active infestations that require chemical or professional physical control (rodents, termites, bed bugs, stinging insect nests), hire a licensed pest control operator. Ask for credentials before work begins:
Bed bugs spread quickly between units. For tenants, document sightings, notify your landlord in writing, and follow recommended laundering and containment steps: wash bedding and clothing in hot water and dry on high heat, vacuum mattresses and furniture, enclose mattresses in bed bug-proof covers, and avoid moving infested items through common areas.
Landlords should coordinate treatment across units when necessary and hire licensed professionals who follow IPM and proper heat or chemical protocols.
Rodent problems are often linked to food sources and entry points. Seal gaps larger than 1/4 inch, store food in sealed containers, address garbage storage, and remove brush or debris near foundations. Use traps or hire professionals for large infestations. Document damages and droppings for health officials if infestation persists.
Do not attempt to remove active nests for hornets, wasps, or bees unless you are trained and equipped. If the nest is near a home, school, or playground, contact a licensed pest control or beekeeper for safe removal or relocation.
For bats in buildings, follow public health guidance to prevent rabies exposure: do not handle bats, exclude entry after sunset, and consult wildlife authorities for safe eviction and attic-proofing methods.
Report unusual tree die-off, defoliation, or invasive insects to NHDAMF or UNH Extension. Early detection of pests like emerald ash borer or hemlock woolly adelgid is critical for containment and response.
Pest control and remediation can be expensive. Options to explore:
Escalate to state agencies when local efforts fail or when legal, health, or environmental rules have been violated. Examples include:
Effective response to pest infestations in New Hampshire depends on rapid, documented action, informed identification, and contacting the right resource for the problem. Use UNH Cooperative Extension for identification and prevention advice. Contact local health departments and DHHS for public health risks. Report pesticide misuse and licensing issues to NHDAMF. For wildlife concerns and rabies risk, involve New Hampshire Fish and Game. Keep detailed records, follow safety precautions for yourself and pets, and insist on licensed, insured professionals for treatments that require chemicals or specialized removal.
By taking methodical steps — document, identify, contain, notify, and hire qualified help — you can resolve infestations more quickly, reduce health risks, and protect your home, tenants, and community.