Columbus, Ohio is a great place to live. It’s home to The Ohio State University, offers many job opportunities, and has a vibrant downtown with a great food and art scene (among many other things). The downside? It’s not just people who love Columbus, Ohio—but pests, too.
As Columbus pest control experts, we think it’s a good idea for all residents to know the most common pests in Columbus, Ohio. Whether you’re a homeowner, live in an apartment, or own rental property, you need to know what pests to look out for around your home.
In this post, we’re tackling the most common Columbus pests. Keep reading to learn which pests plague our city!
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs have been found in every major city in Ohio—and Columbus is no exception. In past years, Columbus has been ranked #5 in the list of the most bed bug-ridden cities in the entire United States!
Because bed bugs are so common in our area, it’s important to know how to identify a bed bug problem. Bed bugs can strike at any time, so you want to be able to nip a potential problem in the bud!
Termites
There are many different types of termites. The good news is, Columbus residents really only need to worry about the eastern subterranean termite (the most common).
This termites species builds mud tubes to travel from their underground colonies to their food source. Since termites hide underground and in walls, it’s easy for them to go undetected. That’s why, if you see mud tubes, watch out! Knowing the signs of termites is key to preventing major damage to your home.
Fleas
Fleas can pose some risk to both humans and animals in various ways. While they are primarily known as annoying and uncomfortable pests due to their biting and itching, if your house becomes infested, fleas can pose health risks and lead to a range of problems. Here are some reasons why fleas are considered harmful:
- Bites and Itching: Flea bites can be itchy and painful. When fleas feed on a host (usually animals but occasionally humans), they inject saliva that contains anticoagulants to facilitate blood-feeding. This can result in allergic reactions, skin irritation, and discomfort.
- Allergic Reactions: Some people and pets may develop allergic reactions to flea saliva, leading to more severe itching, rashes, and even dermatitis.
- Secondary Infections: Excessive scratching due to flea bites can break the skin, making it susceptible to bacterial infections.
- Anemia: In severe infestations, especially in young or small animals, fleas can cause anemia due to blood loss from multiple bites.
To prevent the harmful effects of fleas, it’s essential to take proactive measures, especially if you have pets. Regularly grooming and inspecting your pets for fleas, using flea preventatives recommended by veterinarians, and maintaining a clean living environment can help control and prevent flea infestations.
Ticks
While fleas generally pose more of a risk to animals, ticks do pose a threat to people as well. Ticks are known vectors of various diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and more. When ticks bite and feed on a host’s blood, they can transmit these pathogens, potentially leading to serious illnesses in humans and animals. This is why maintaining a tick-free backyard is critical.
Tick bites can also cause allergic reactions in some individuals, resulting in localized swelling, redness, itching, and discomfort. Severe allergic reactions are rare but can occur. To reduce the harmful effects of ticks, especially in areas where ticks are prevalent, wear long sleeves and pants when in tick-prone areas. Tuck pants into socks or boots to prevent ticks from crawling up and perform regular tick checks on yourself, your family members, and your pets after spending time outdoors.
Keeping your lawns well-maintained, removing leaf litter and tall grass, and creating a buffer zone between wooded areas and your house can go a long way. And don’t forget Fido’s tick medicine!
Mosquitoes
Columbus boasts a large amount of green space for residents and visitors to enjoy. Unfortunately, with all the great outdoors come fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
In Ohio, common tick species include American dog ticks, black-legged ticks and lone star ticks. Our state also has nearly 60 species of mosquitoes!
Since these pests can carry diseases that are harmful to people and pets, it’s important to stay safe outdoors (even in your lawn).
Rodents
Rodents love Columbus. In fact, Columbus, Ohio, has been ranked in the top 50 most rat-infested cities in the U.S.
Construction is often to blame for the increase in rat activity we’ve seen over the past five years. (Since rats live in burrows underground, construction drives them out of those homes—often into yours.)
Rats and mice are both destructive and a health hazard. They can carry diseases and contaminate your food, on top of chewing through your home’s wiring. Don’t miss the signs of this common Ohio pest.
Cockroaches
It’s no surprise that cockroaches are common in Columbus: this pest thrives in highly populated cities.
The most common cockroaches in Columbus are the German, oriental, American, Pennsylvania wood, and brown-banded cockroaches. Of these, the first three (German, oriental, and American) are the most common you’ll find in houses.
Cockroaches are a big problem: they ruin food, spread disease, and can even cause allergies! Find out the signs of a cockroach infestation.
cockroach
Ants
Ants don’t just spoil your picnic…they can even destroy your home!
Columbus, Ohio, is home not only to nuisance ants like odorous house ants, acrobat ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants but also the highly destructive carpenter ant. The carpenter ant chews through wood to make its nests, causing structural damage in the process. It’s important to watch out for signs of any ant infestation, but especially a carpenter ant infestation.
Stinging Insects
Hornets, yellow jackets, wasps, bees, and more: Columbus has more than enough stinging insects.
When it comes to this painful pest, it’s important to watch out for signs and—most importantly—never try to remove a nest yourself. (This is even more true if you or a loved one are allergic.)
Need Help with a Pest Issue?
We’re here to help! ScherZinger Pest Control has extensive experience with the pests in the Columbus area. We have the knowledge and the tools to get rid of your pest issue quickly, effectively, and discretely.
Contact Scherzinger Pest Control, a trusted pest control company in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas, including Dayton, OH, and now Columbus, OH. We’ve been pioneers, engineering new standards for ways of eliminating and controlling bugs and pests. Contact us by phone at 1-877-748-9888 or through our website, Facebook, or Twitter.