Cuyahoga County Board of Health enforces pest and vector control under ORC Chapter 3707 and OAC 3701-1. Rodent harborage, bed bugs, and mosquito breeding sites are public health nuisances subject to abatement orders. Property owners must eliminate infestations within 10 days of notice or face county abatement with costs assessed to the property.
The Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH) operates the Mosquito Control Program, trapping and testing for West Nile virus throughout the county. Residents can report standing water and rodent complaints to CCBH at 216-201-2000. Cleveland operates its own Department of Public Health with parallel authority inside city limits. Licensed pesticide applicators must be registered with the Ohio Department of Agriculture under ORC 921. Bed bug complaints in rental housing fall under ORC 5321.04 landlord habitability duties.
Nuisance abatement notices give 10 days to comply. County-performed abatement billed to owner plus administrative fees. Continuing violations prosecuted as minor misdemeanors under ORC 3707.01.
See how Cuyahoga County's pest control rules stack up against other locations.
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