Rodent Control Services in Northeast Ohio
Rodents: Identification, Risks & Professional Control
Rodents such as mice and rats are among the most common and destructive pests in Northeast Ohio. They spread disease, contaminate food, and cause property damage by gnawing on wiring, insulation, and structural materials. Once inside, rodents reproduce quickly, making infestations difficult to control without professional help.
At DHS Pest Control, we offer proven rodent extermination, exclusion, and prevention programs customized for Ohio’s seasonal challenges. Here’s everything you need to know about identifying rodent problems, the risks they pose, and how our expert treatments can protect your property.
Quick Facts About Common Rodents in Ohio
- Common species in Ohio: House mouse, deer mouse, Norway rat, roof rat.
- Size: Mice 2–4 inches (plus tail); rats 8–10 inches (plus tail).
- Lifespan: Mice ~1 year; rats up to 2 years in ideal conditions.
- Reproduction: One pair of mice can produce up to 60 offspring per year.
- Active season: Year-round indoors; higher risk in fall/winter as rodents seek shelter from cold.
Signs of a Rodent Infestation
Watch for these warning signs:
- Droppings: Small, dark, pellet-shaped droppings along walls, in cabinets, or near food.
- Gnaw marks: Chewed wood, plastic, food packaging, or wiring.
- Noises: Scratching, scurrying, or squeaking sounds in walls, ceilings, or attics.
- Tracks & rub marks: Greasy smears or footprints along runways.
- Burrows & nests: Shredded paper, insulation, or fabric used for nesting.
- Foul odor: Musky smell from droppings and urine.
Why Rodents Are a Serious Problem in Northeast Ohio
- Health hazards: Rodents carry diseases such as Hantavirus, Salmonella, and Leptospirosis. Their droppings and urine contaminate food and surfaces.
- Allergies & asthma: Rodent dander and droppings can trigger allergic reactions.
- Structural damage: Gnawing on wires poses fire risks; insulation and wood are often destroyed.
- Fast reproduction: Small infestations can become large within weeks.
- Seasonal entry: Cold Ohio winters drive rodents indoors, making infestations more likely in late fall and early winter.
Common Rodent Species in Northeast Ohio
- House mouse: Small, gray-brown, thrives indoors; nests in walls, attics, and basements.
- Deer mouse: Brown with white belly; associated with Hantavirus risk.
- Norway rat: Large, brown rat; prefers burrows, basements, and sewers.
- Roof rat: Sleek, dark, excellent climber; nests in attics and high spaces.
DHS Pest Control’s Rodent Inspection Process
- Property Assessment — Inspect interior and exterior for signs of rodents.
- Entry Point Identification — Locate cracks, gaps, or openings rodents use to enter.
- Species Identification — Determine mouse vs. rat species for tailored treatment.
- Damage & Sanitation Review — Check food storage, insulation, and wiring risks.
- Treatment Plan & Estimate — Provide a clear, customized plan with transparent pricing.
Rodent Treatment & Extermination Methods
We follow an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, focusing on safe, effective, and lasting solutions:
- Trapping: Snap traps, glue boards, and multi-catch devices strategically placed.
- Bait stations: Tamper-resistant stations placed inside/outside for ongoing control.
- Exclusion work: Sealing gaps, cracks, and utility openings to prevent re-entry.
- Sanitation guidance: Advice on food storage, waste management, and clutter reduction.
- Follow-up visits: Regular inspections and trap monitoring to confirm elimination.
DIY Tips — What Homeowners Can Do Now
- Seal food in airtight containers.
- Dispose of garbage promptly in sealed bins.
- Eliminate water sources — fix leaks and dripping faucets.
- Declutter basements, attics, and garages.
- Seal entry points with steel wool, hardware cloth, or caulk.
- Keep firewood, shrubs, and vegetation trimmed back from the foundation.
Professional help is usually needed once rodents are established — DIY steps support but rarely eliminate infestations.
What to Expect During & After Treatment
- Inspection time: 30–90 minutes depending on property size.
- Treatment: 1–3 hours depending on severity.
- Follow-ups: Typically scheduled 1–2 weeks after initial treatment; additional visits may be needed for severe infestations.
- Results: Some rodent activity may persist briefly after treatment but should decline quickly as traps and baits take effect.
Health & Safety Considerations
Rodent infestations carry serious health risks. DHS Pest Control uses EPA-approved products, tamper-resistant bait stations, and safe trapping methods. We also offer pet- and child-conscious solutions. Our technicians provide post-treatment sanitation and safety recommendations.
Long-Term Rodent Prevention Strategies
- Regularly inspect foundations, vents, and utility penetrations.
- Maintain clean kitchens and food storage areas.
- Keep outdoor trash bins secure with tight-fitting lids.
- Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens.
- Schedule annual inspections to detect early signs before infestations grow.
Why Choose DHS Pest Control?
- Local knowledge: We understand rodent behavior in Northeast Ohio’s climate.
- Experienced team: Licensed technicians trained in advanced rodent control.
- Custom solutions: Tailored to your property type and infestation severity.
- Safe methods: Pet- and family-conscious treatment options.
- Guaranteed results: Follow-up services and warranties available.
Service Areas
We serve homes and businesses throughout Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Strongsville, Canton, Akron, Massillon, Wooster, Millersburg, Mansfield, Ashland, Loudonville, Youngstown, Medina, Hudson, and surrounding communities. If you don’t see your town listed, call us — chances are we cover it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are rodents dangerous to humans?
A: Yes. They spread disease, contaminate food, and can trigger allergies. Their gnawing also creates fire hazards.
Q: How do rodents get inside?
A: Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime; rats can fit through a hole the size of a quarter. Common entry points include gaps around doors, vents, and utility lines.
Q: How soon can you get rid of them?
A: Results depend on infestation size, but most properties see major improvements within 1–2 weeks of treatment.
Q: How much does rodent control cost?
A: Pricing depends on infestation severity, property size, and exclusion needs. We provide free or low-cost inspections with upfront estimates.
Contact Us Today!
Don’t let rodents take over your home or business. Schedule a professional inspection today.
- Phone: 330-201-4977
DHS completed a VA refinance pest inspection for us and they were able to schedule us quickly, were efficient, respectful and knowledgeable. I will be recommending them to our friends and family. Excellent service.
Response from the owner 19:04 03 Oct 25
Hey Elizabeth! We're really happy to hear about your experience with our pest inspection service. It’s wonderful knowing everything went smoothly, and we appreciate your recommendation!
DHS Pest Control is absolutely outstanding! From the moment I called, their team was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about solving my problem. The technician arrived right on time, explained everything in detail, and made sure I felt comfortable with the process. Their knowledge and attention to detail gave me complete confidence, and the results speak for themselves.
What really stood out was the level of customer service. Everyone I interacted with was friendly, respectful, and went above and beyond to make the entire experience stress-free. It’s rare to find a company that combines expertise, reliability, and such a personal touch, but DHS does it all.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy, effective, and locally dedicated pest control company in Wooster, I can’t recommend DHS Pest Control enough! They’ve earned a customer for life.
What really stood out was the level of customer service. Everyone I interacted with was friendly, respectful, and went above and beyond to make the entire experience stress-free. It’s rare to find a company that combines expertise, reliability, and such a personal touch, but DHS does it all.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy, effective, and locally dedicated pest control company in Wooster, I can’t recommend DHS Pest Control enough! They’ve earned a customer for life.
They took care of my bee problem and were very quick about it! Much appreciated!
Response from the owner 14:10 13 Aug 25
Thank you for the nice review. Please let us know if we can assist you in future pest issues!
We called with a bald-faced hornet and yellow jacket problem and they came out same day and took care of everything for us. Super professional, great customer service, very reasonable pricing.
I hope to not be a repeat customer but if I ever find myself needing pest control again, they are the first ones I will call.
I hope to not be a repeat customer but if I ever find myself needing pest control again, they are the first ones I will call.
Response from the owner 21:34 18 Aug 25
Hey Mike! Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad we could help resolve the issue quickly and that you were pleased with our service and pricing. Hopefully you won’t need pest control again anytime soon, but if you do, we’ll be ready to help right away.
Very happy with the service from DHS Pest Control. Trent and Lonnie were very thorough about making sure our yellow jacket problem was taken care of. The pricing was affordable and I was not charged for the follow up. I will definitely be using DHS Pest Control for any future needs!
Response from the owner 01:35 02 Aug 25
Thank you so much for the nice review Kimberly!
Very professional and friendly.we had such a bed bug problem we didn't think it could be solved.trent and his crew,who are a family business come in and got it taken care of faster and better than we could have ever hoped.i can't imagine anyone better
Response from the owner 18:16 07 Jul 25
Hi Eric! We're so glad to hear our team could tackle your bed bug issue quickly and effectively. We take pride in delivering dependable service, and it means a lot to know we made a difference for you.
I would like to give a huge shout out to Trent from DHS Pest Control. I was faced with a Carpenter Ant problem that caused significant damage to my sunroom. I called Trent at 12:55pm about my issue. He was on a job an hour away. He said he could be at my house when he was finished his current job. He arrived at my home in a timely fashion. He was polite, professional, and understanding of my situation. He did a thorough inspection of the inside, outside and basement of my home. Then he got to work treating the property. His price was extremely reasonable. If after 30 days I see any Carpenter Ants he will come back and treat the property for no charge. Where can you get a better deal than that? I highly recommend Trent Koller and his company.
Response from the owner 16:35 16 Jun 25
Hey Lee Ann! I'm really glad to hear that you had such a positive experience with me handling your Carpenter Ant issue. It's great knowing that the service and pricing left you satisfied, and I'm here if you need any further assistance in the future.
Trent and his Nephew did a Great job! Very informative and professional! Explained everything well and worked diligently! Was very happy with service!!!!😁
Response from the owner 16:23 27 May 25
Hi Barbara! I’m thrilled to hear you were happy with how everything went. We always aim to be informative and professional, so it's great to know it made a difference.
I highly highly recommend Trent. He is very professional and diligent. No stone left unturned! He's also great to work with.
Response from the owner 16:46 19 May 25
Thank you so much for the kind words and recommendation! I truly appreciate your support and am glad I could provide the level of service you were looking for. It was a pleasure working with you!
Very polite and professional. Did a great job. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner 20:28 15 May 25
Thank you Joan🙂