REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has issued a public health alert for anyone who has used Lewis Exterminating Company of Richmond Heights for the treatment of rodents.
The ODA reports that the company is being investigated for misuse of rodenticides, which could be harmful to people and animals. The alert comes amid an investigation by the ODA that was initiated after a tip from another Ohio licensed pesticide applicator earlier this week.
Investigators from the ODA looked at several sites of application, in addition to reviewing the exterminating company’s paperwork and storage site. Visits to sites revealed the rodenticides were applied "in an improper, accessible manner." The ODA says their investigation is ongoing as they continue to visit and collect residue samples from other sites.
According to the ODA, the products are legal rodenticides, but due to their toxicity to people and pets, should only be placed in non-accessible areas. Accidental ingestion or inhalation could cause significant health risks, including death. If you have medical concerns after coming in contact with the products, please contact your local health department.
ODA is asking anyone who has utilized Lewis Exterminating Company’s services and believes the products were used in their residence to contact them by phone at 614-728-6389 or reportrodenticides@agri.ohio.gov. Residents are advised to not touch or remove the product themselves.
The rodenticides were placed in homes in a manner shown in the pictures below.
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