Pests and pest control in Columbus, OH

Pests to know in Columbus

• Mosquito
• Norway Rat
• Subterranean termites
• Spotted Lanternfly
• Bed Bug

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

Termites in Columbus

OSU Extension rates Ohio's risk of subterranean termite infestation as moderate to heavy, with the eastern subterranean termite the species of concern.^[3]

Invasive species reported here

The Ohio Department of Agriculture issued a statewide spotted lanternfly quarantine in February 2026, after the pest was first identified in Ohio in 2020.^[4]

Pests local experts flag

Columbus Public Health notes the Norway rat is the most common rat in Ohio and prefers to burrow underground along walls.^[1]

Climate

Central Columbus (ZIP 43215) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 6b, where the average coldest winter night is -5 to 0°F.^[8]

Public agencies that handle pests

• Columbus Public Health's Vector Control Program inspects and treats for disease vectors, specifically rats, mosquitoes and ticks.^[1]
• Each Columbus mosquito season starts with trapping and testing, and spray areas are chosen based on test results and high mosquito counts.^[1]
• Columbus Public Health does not inspect homes or provide treatment for bed bugs, so residents must arrange their own control.^[1]

Local rules and responsibilities

Before filing a rat complaint with the City of Columbus, residents are expected to take their own prevention steps; complaints go through 311.^[2]

Hiring a licensed company

Ohio requires a Pesticide Business License for anyone applying pesticides for hire or performing wood-destroying insect (WDI) inspections, even when no treatment is planned.^[5]

Licensing agency: Ohio Department of Agriculture — Pesticide Program^[9].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

• OSU Extension reports the northern house mosquito, a West Nile virus carrier, has been found in every Ohio county, including in urban and suburban habitats.^[6]
• OSU Extension advises that over-the-counter total-release foggers, or bug bombs, are not effective against bed bugs because they don't penetrate hiding spots.^[7]

Through the year

Summer to Fall

In Columbus, adult mosquito spraying usually runs from the beginning of July through the end of September.^[1]

Summer to Fall

OSU Extension says Ohioans face the greatest risk of West Nile virus from infected mosquito bites from June until the middle of October.^[6]

Sources

1. Columbus Public Health, “Vector Control.” www.columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health/Environmental-Health/Vector-Control (accessed 2026-10-06)
2. City of Columbus, “Rat Control Program.” new.columbus.gov/Community/Animals-Pets/Rat-Control-Program (accessed 2026-10-06)
3. Ohio State University Extension, Buckeye Yard & Garden onLine, “Eastern Subterranean Termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae).” bygl.osu.edu/node/2351 (accessed 2026-10-06)
4. Ohio Department of Agriculture, “Spotted Lanternfly.” agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/invasive-insects/slf (accessed 2026-10-06)
5. Ohio Department of Agriculture, “Pesticides.” agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/pesticides (accessed 2026-10-06)
6. Ohio State University Extension (Ohioline), “Northern House Mosquito (ENT-89).” ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ent-89 (accessed 2026-10-06)
7. Ohio State University Extension (Ohioline), “Bed Bugs (HYG-2105).” ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-2105 (accessed 2026-10-06)
8. USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 43215 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/43215.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
9. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)