Pests to know in Toledo
Termites in Toledo
Ohio State entomologists say subterranean termite risk in Ohio is rated moderate to heavy, with the eastern subterranean termite the species behind most infestations.[8]
Invasive species reported here
Lucas County was where emerald ash borer was first confirmed in Ohio, in February 2003, months after its discovery in neighboring Michigan.[9]
Pests local experts flag
- Storm-drain catch basins are a key Toledo breeding site for Culex pipiens, the main West Nile carrier, so the district inspects and treats basins, often by e-bike.[4]
- Lucas County residents can submit ticks to the TickTracker program for identification; the district educates on ticks but does not offer tick control.[5]
Climate
Central Toledo (ZIP 43604) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 6b, where the average coldest winter night is -5 to 0°F.[12]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Mosquito control in Lucas County is run by the Toledo Area Sanitary District, which the Lucas County Common Pleas Court created in 1945 specifically to abate and control mosquitoes.[1]
- Lucas County has more than 30 mosquito species, and the sanitary district tracks them with over 60 adult traps plus weekly West Nile virus testing.[2]
- The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department runs a rodent control program that inspects properties, orders owners to fix rat-friendly conditions, and baits public areas.[6]
Local rules and responsibilities
Lucas County housing regulations require dwelling interiors to be free of insect, rodent and vermin infestations, and foundations, walls and roofs to be rodent proof.[7]
Hiring a licensed company
An Ohio pesticide business license requires the company to employ at least one licensed commercial applicator; licenses run October 1 through September 30.[10]
Free local help
OSU Extension Lucas County is based at Toledo Botanical Garden and runs a Master Gardener Volunteer hotline for home garden and plant pest questions.[11]
Through the year
- Spring to Fall
- Toledo-area nighttime mosquito fogging typically starts in late May or early June and runs into September or early October, only between 8 PM and 2 AM.[3]
- Spring to Summer
- In Ohio, eastern subterranean termites swarm in spring and early summer, and a swarm is the most common way homeowners discover an infestation.[8]
Sources
- Toledo Area Sanitary District, “About: History and Funding.” toledomosquito.org/about (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Toledo Area Sanitary District, “Integrated Control Methods.” toledomosquito.org/control-operations (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Toledo Area Sanitary District, “FAQs.” toledomosquito.org/faqs (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Toledo Area Sanitary District, “Catch Basin Schedule.” toledomosquito.org/catch-basin-schedule (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Toledo Area Sanitary District, “Ticks and Protecting Yourself.” toledomosquito.org/ticks (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, “Rodent Control.” lucascountyhealth.com/community-health/rodent-control/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, “Lucas County Housing Regulations.” lucascountyhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/housing-regulations_3.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Ohio State University Extension (Buckeye Yard & Garden onLine), “Eastern Subterranean Termite, Reticulitermes flavipes.” bygl.osu.edu/node/2351 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Ohio State University Extension (Buckeye Yard & Garden onLine), “Updated EAB Detection Map.” bygl.osu.edu/node/692 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Ohio Department of Agriculture, “Application for Pesticide Company License(s).” dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/v1771000630/plnt_4204-018.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Ohio State University Extension, Lucas County, “OSU Extension Lucas County.” lucas.osu.edu/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 43604 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/43604.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)