About The Ohio State University Extension
The Ohio State University Extension provides research-based education and outreach programs that support agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, forestry, environmental stewardship, youth development, family well-being, and community improvement throughout Ohio. As the outreach arm of The Ohio State University, Extension connects residents, farmers, businesses, gardeners, municipalities, and community organizations with practical solutions backed by scientific research.
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Ohio’s diverse landscape includes productive farmland, forests, wetlands, rivers, suburban communities, and major metropolitan areas. The Ohio State University Extension develops programs tailored to the state’s unique environmental, agricultural, and economic needs while helping residents improve quality of life and protect natural resources.
Core Services Offered
The Ohio State University Extension provides educational resources and technical assistance across a broad range of disciplines that support economic development, environmental sustainability, and healthy communities.
Agriculture and Crop Production
Ohio is one of the nation’s leading agricultural states, producing corn, soybeans, wheat, livestock, specialty crops, and horticultural products. Extension specialists help producers improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability.
- Crop production management
- Integrated pest management
- Soil health programs
- Nutrient management planning
- Precision agriculture education
- Agricultural economics and marketing
Extension programs support both large-scale commercial operations and smaller specialty crop producers throughout Ohio.
Livestock and Animal Agriculture
Ohio’s livestock industry includes beef cattle, dairy cattle, poultry, sheep, swine, and equine operations. Extension specialists provide science-based support for animal agriculture.
- Beef cattle management
- Dairy herd management
- Poultry production
- Livestock nutrition
- Animal health education
- Forage and pasture management
Home Gardening and Horticulture
Homeowners and gardening enthusiasts throughout Ohio rely on Extension resources for practical gardening and landscaping guidance.
- Vegetable gardening
- Fruit production
- Landscape maintenance
- Tree and shrub care
- Lawn management
- Garden pest identification
Master Gardener Volunteer Program
The Ohio Master Gardener Volunteer Program trains volunteers who help educate communities about gardening, plant health, and environmental stewardship.
Master Gardeners assist residents with:
- Plant selection
- Pest identification
- Composting techniques
- Native plant landscaping
- Pollinator conservation
- Sustainable gardening practices
Forestry and Natural Resources
Ohio’s forests provide important environmental, recreational, and economic benefits. Extension programs help landowners and communities manage these resources responsibly.
- Forest stewardship
- Tree health management
- Wildlife habitat improvement
- Watershed protection
- Forest management planning
- Natural resource conservation
Environmental Stewardship Programs
Extension educators help communities address environmental challenges through science-based education and outreach.
- Water quality protection
- Stormwater management
- Pollinator habitat development
- Climate resilience education
- Conservation planning
- Sustainable landscaping programs
4-H Youth Development
The Ohio 4-H program is one of the largest youth development programs in the nation and provides educational opportunities that help young people develop leadership skills and practical knowledge.
- STEM education
- Agricultural sciences
- Environmental education
- Animal science projects
- Leadership development
- Community service activities
Pest Pressures and Challenges in Ohio
Ohio’s humid climate, productive agricultural landscape, extensive forests, and urban development create favorable conditions for a wide variety of insect pests, plant diseases, invasive species, and structural pests. Ohio State Extension specialists provide science-based recommendations to help residents and producers manage these challenges effectively.
Agricultural Crop Pests
Ohio farmers manage numerous insect pests that can significantly affect crop yields and profitability.
Important agricultural pests include:
- Corn Rootworms
- Western Bean Cutworms
- Soybean Aphids
- Armyworms
- Stink Bugs
- Japanese Beetles
Extension entomologists provide seasonal pest monitoring updates and integrated management recommendations throughout the growing season.
Ticks
Tick populations have increased significantly throughout Ohio and are an important public health concern.
Common tick species include:
- Blacklegged Ticks (Deer Ticks)
- American Dog Ticks
- Lone Star Ticks
- Brown Dog Ticks
Extension specialists provide educational resources on tick identification, disease prevention, habitat management, and personal protection measures.
Tree and Forest Pests
Ohio’s forests and urban tree populations face threats from both native and invasive insects.
Important tree pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Spongy Moths
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgids
- Bark Beetles
- Scale Insects
- Wood-boring Beetles
Extension forestry specialists help landowners and municipalities monitor tree health and respond to pest outbreaks.
Garden and Landscape Pests
Home gardens and ornamental landscapes throughout Ohio encounter numerous insect pests and plant diseases.
Common garden pests include:
- Aphids
- Japanese Beetles
- Flea Beetles
- Cabbage Worms
- Squash Bugs
- Spider Mites
Extension publications help gardeners identify pest problems and implement environmentally responsible management practices.
Lawn and Turfgrass Pests
Healthy lawns require careful management to prevent damage from insects and diseases.
Common turfgrass pests include:
- White Grubs
- Billbugs
- Chinch Bugs
- Sod Webworms
- Armyworms
Ohio State University is recognized for turfgrass research and provides extensive educational resources for homeowners and turf professionals.
Household and Structural Pests
Ohio homeowners regularly encounter pests that invade homes, businesses, and other structures.
Common structural pests include:
- Termites
- Ants
- Cockroaches
- Bed Bugs
- Rodents
- Spiders
Extension resources emphasize prevention, exclusion, sanitation, and integrated pest management approaches.
Stored Product Pests
Homes, grain storage facilities, and food-processing environments can experience problems with insects that infest stored commodities.
Common stored product pests include:
- Indian Meal Moths
- Flour Beetles
- Sawtoothed Grain Beetles
- Rice Weevils
- Grain Mites
- Cigarette Beetles
Extension publications provide guidance on prevention, sanitation, monitoring, and control strategies.
Invasive Species
Ohio continues to face challenges from invasive insects and organisms that threaten agriculture, forests, and natural ecosystems.
Notable invasive pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Spotted Lanternflies
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgids
- Asian Longhorned Beetles
Extension personnel work with state and federal agencies to support monitoring, early detection, and public education efforts.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) serves as a foundation of Ohio State Extension pest management education programs.
IPM strategies emphasize:
- Accurate pest identification
- Pest monitoring and scouting
- Preventive cultural practices
- Biological control methods
- Habitat modification
- Responsible pesticide use
These practices help reduce pest populations while protecting beneficial insects, pollinators, water resources, and environmental quality.
Research and Diagnostic Services
The Ohio State University conducts extensive research focused on agriculture, forestry, horticulture, pest management, environmental stewardship, and sustainable food systems.
Research areas include:
- Crop protection
- Urban pest management
- Forest health monitoring
- Biological control
- Turfgrass science
- Invasive species research
Extension specialists translate scientific research into practical recommendations that benefit Ohio residents, businesses, and agricultural producers.
Educational Publications and Resources
The Ohio State University Extension publishes a wide variety of educational materials covering pest management, agriculture, horticulture, forestry, lawns, and environmental stewardship.
Popular Resources Include:
- Pest identification guides
- Crop production manuals
- Garden pest fact sheets
- Tree health resources
- Turfgrass management publications
- Invasive species alerts
Many publications are available online and are regularly updated to reflect current research findings and emerging pest concerns.
Contact The Ohio State University Extension
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing agricultural crops, improving a lawn, maintaining a garden, protecting forests, addressing tick concerns, or responding to invasive species threats, The Ohio State University Extension provides access to research-based information and local expertise throughout the state.
Residents can contact their local Extension office or visit The Ohio State University Extension website to access educational publications, pest management resources, diagnostic assistance, and professional guidance.