Pest control in Ohio

What to know about pest control in Ohio

Ohio homeowners see insects trying to move indoors every fall, and ticks are a concern for anyone who spends time outdoors. Pest control companies need a state business license and a licensed applicator on staff, and you can look up both online.

Common pests in Ohio

Ohio State University Extension hears from homeowners about the same pests year after year.

• Brown marmorated stink bugs. An invasive bug that damages fruit and vegetables outdoors and comes into homes in the fall. Sealing gaps around windows, doors and siding helps keep it out.
• Multicolored Asian lady beetles. Ohio State says they were first reported as home invaders in Ohio in the early 1990s. Reports dropped in the mid-2000s, though they still show up.
• Boxelder bugs. Ohio State lists them with stink bugs and lady beetles as the best-known insects that try to get into homes in the fall.
• Blacklegged ticks. The CDC says this tick is widely distributed across the eastern half of the country. It can spread the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. See fleas and ticks.

Who licenses pest control companies in Ohio

The Ohio Department of Agriculture licenses pest control companies. You need a Pesticide Business license if you are hired to apply any pesticide to someone else's property, if you solicit that work, or if you do wood destroying insect inspections for a home sale. Each licensed location must employ at least one Ohio-licensed commercial applicator, and the business must keep proof of insurance on file. Business licenses last one year. The department explains the rules on its pesticide businesses page, and you can look up a company in its pesticide business search.

How to check a company before you hire

1. Look up the company in the state's pesticide business search and check that its license is current.
2. Ask for the name of the licensed applicator who will treat your home.
3. Ask which pest they found, what they saw that shows it, and how they plan to treat it.
4. Get the treatment plan, the cost and any warranty in writing, including follow-up visits.
5. Read reviews from other customers. Compare the companies on this page, and write a review once the work is done. You can also see how reviews work.