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Pests and pest control in Cleveland, OH

Pests to know in Cleveland

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

Termites in Cleveland

Eastern subterranean termites are Ohio's main structural termite, and in Ohio they swarm over spring and early summer; swarms are the most common way infestations are detected.[6]

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]

Pests local experts flag

  • CCBH treats hundreds of mosquito breeding sites, commonly stormwater catch basins, roadside ditches and wooded low-lying areas.[3]
  • CCBH advises elevating firewood at least 18 inches off the ground and notes a rat can enter through an opening as small as half an inch.[4]

Climate

Central Cleveland (ZIP 44113) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 7a, where the average coldest winter night is 0 to 5°F.[11]

Public agencies that handle pests

  • The Cleveland Department of Public Health's mosquito program treats standing water and sprays based on surveillance and disease presence, but does not spray by request.[1]
  • Cleveland residents can report rats, bedbugs, roaches, mosquitoes and other infestations to CDPH by dialing 3-1-1 or filing a 311 service request online.[2]
  • CDPH handles nuisance complaints only within Cleveland city limits; suburban Cuyahoga County complaints go to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health at (216) 201-2000.[2]
  • The Cuyahoga County Board of Health traps mosquitoes across the county and sends samples to the Ohio Department of Health for West Nile virus testing.[3]
  • CCBH responds to rat complaints and applies rodenticide to exterior areas and sewers only; interior treatment is the property owner's or landlord's responsibility.[4]
  • In Cuyahoga County, bed bug problems at a hotel are reported to the Ohio Department of Commerce State Fire Marshal rather than the local health board.[5]

Local rules and responsibilities

Ohio rule 901:5-11-10 requires applicators treating structures for termites to draw the structure's footprint with linear dimensions before the application.[8]

Hiring a licensed company

  • Ohio commercial applicators doing termite work need category 10b (Termite), separate from 10a General Pest Control, which excludes wood-destroying insects.[7]
  • Ohio's category 12 covers wood-destroying insect inspections for real estate transactions and requires a 5-hour Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Training Program.[7]

Licensing agency: Ohio Department of Agriculture — Pesticide Program[12].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

OSU Extension's Cuyahoga County office is at 3634 Euclid Ave in Cleveland and runs the county's Master Gardener Volunteer program.[10]

Through the year

Spring
In Ohio, spotted lanternfly nymphs usually begin hatching in April, starting as black nymphs with white spots.[9]

Sources

  1. Cleveland Department of Public Health, “Mosquito Prevention/Control.” www.clevelandohio.gov/city-hall/departments/public-health/programs-services/mosquito-insect-diseases (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. Cleveland Department of Public Health, “Submit a Complaint.” www.clevelandohio.gov/city-hall/departments/public-health/submit-complaint (accessed 2026-10-06)
  3. Cuyahoga County Board of Health, “Mosquito Control.” www.ccbh.net/mosquito-control/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  4. Cuyahoga County Board of Health, “Rodent Control.” www.ccbh.net/rodent-control/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  5. Cuyahoga County Board of Health, “Bed Bugs.” www.ccbh.net/bed-bugs/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  6. Ohio State University Extension (Buckeye Yard & Garden onLine), “Eastern Subterranean Termite, Reticulitermes flavipes.” bygl.osu.edu/node/2351 (accessed 2026-10-06)
  7. Ohio State University Pesticide Safety Education Program, “Ohio Commercial Pesticide Applicator Categories.” pested.osu.edu/catlist (accessed 2026-10-06)
  8. Ohio Administrative Code, “Rule 901:5-11-10.” codes.ohio.gov/assets/laws/administrative-code/authenticated/901/5/11/901$5-11-10_20241205.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
  9. Ohio Department of Agriculture, “Spotted Lanternfly.” agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/slf (accessed 2026-10-06)
  10. Ohio State University Extension, Cuyahoga County, “OSU Extension Cuyahoga County.” cuyahoga.osu.edu/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  11. USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 44113 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/44113.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
  12. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-15. Every statement on this page comes from the cited local, state or university source. Spot an error? Tell us.