Pests to know in Canton
Termites in Canton
Ohio State University Extension says Eastern subterranean termites in Ohio swarm in spring and early summer, and an infested home can see up to tens of thousands of winged termites indoors.[8]
Invasive species reported here
Spotted lanternfly was first identified in Ohio in 2020, and the Ohio Department of Agriculture issued a statewide quarantine in February 2026.[9]
Climate
Central Canton (ZIP 44702) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 6b, where the average coldest winter night is -5 to 0°F.[10]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Canton City Public Health says three species, the American dog tick, blacklegged tick and lone star tick, cause nearly all tickborne diseases reported to the Ohio Department of Health.[2]
- Canton City Public Health's nuisance program counts rodent or roach infestations and mosquito issues among examples of public health nuisances.[4]
- The Stark County Health Department larvicides early in mosquito season and adds adult spraying as populations grow; some municipalities contract with it for more frequent spraying.[5]
- The Stark County Health Department works with the Ohio Department of Health on mosquito trapping and testing as an early warning for West Nile virus activity.[5]
- The Stark County Health Department says it does not have legal authority to issue a public health order for bed bug extermination.[6]
Local rules and responsibilities
- Canton's health code bars property owners and occupants from letting water collect in puddles, ditches or containers long enough for mosquitoes to breed.[3]
- Under Canton's health code, infestations in two or more units, shared areas of a multi-unit building, or a business building are the owner's responsibility to exterminate.[3]
- Canton's health code requires exterior openings of a half inch or more within 48 inches of ground level to be rodent-proofed.[3]
Hiring a licensed company
The state pesticide regulatory agency for Ohio is the Ohio Department of Agriculture (Pesticide Program), which oversees pesticide applicator certification and licensing.[11]
Free local help
OSU Extension Stark County's Master Gardener Volunteers answer residents' "What is this bug?" questions.[7]
Through the year
- Spring to Fall
- Canton City Public Health says local mosquito season runs from May through October.[1]
Sources
- Canton City Public Health, “Mosquitoes: Fight the Bite.” www.cantonohio.gov/1979/Mosquitoes (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Canton City Public Health, “Ticks: Be TICK Smart.” www.cantonohio.gov/1980/Ticks (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Canton City Public Health, “Canton City Health Code, Section 221.03.” www.cantonohio.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9448/Canton-City-Health-Code-Completed-2026-March (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Canton City Public Health, “Nuisance.” www.cantonohio.gov/2078/Nuisance (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Stark County Health Department, “Mosquitos, Ticks & Pest Control.” starkcountyohio.gov/government/offices/stark_county_health_department/our_programs/environmental_health/mosquitos_ticks_pest_control.php (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Stark County Health Department, “Bed Bug brochure.” starkcountyohio.gov/Stark%20County%20Health%20Department/Our%20Programs/Environmental%20Health/Mosquitos,%20Ticks%20and%20Pest%20Control/Bed%20Bug%20Brochure%20Revisions.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- OSU Extension Stark County, “Public Services.” stark.osu.edu/program-areas/master-gardener-volunteers/public-services (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Ohio State University Extension (Buckeye Yard & Garden onLine), “Eastern Subterranean Termites.” bygl.osu.edu/node/2351 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Ohio Department of Agriculture, “Spotted Lanternfly.” agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/invasive-insects/slf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 44702 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/44702.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)