Pests and pest control in Bowling Green, KY

Pests to know in Bowling Green

• Subterranean termites
• Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle
• Emerald Ash Borer
• Ticks

Why each one matters here is cited in the sections below.

Termites in Bowling Green

University of Kentucky entomologists say subterranean termites are the type common to Kentucky, living underground in cooperative colonies.^[5]

Invasive species reported here

UK Entomology reports emerald ash borer was newly found in Warren County in 2021.^[8]

Pests local experts flag

The lone star tick is very common in Kentucky and often present in large numbers, per UK Entomology.^[9]

Climate

Central Bowling Green (ZIP 42101) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 7a, where the average coldest winter night is 0 to 5°F.^[11]

Public agencies that handle pests

• The Barren River District Health Department notes that Kentucky has skunk and bat variant rabies.^[1]
• Barren River health officials say every animal bite should be reported to the local health department.^[1]
• The district health department may treat illegally dumped organic garbage, old tires, and standing water as nuisances it can investigate.^[1]

Local rules and responsibilities

• Bowling Green code compliance rules say grass must not exceed 10 inches in height.^[2]
• Bowling Green uses the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code to set minimum upkeep standards for existing structures and surrounding property.^[3]

Hiring a licensed company

Kentucky's structural pest license Category 7A covers general pest and termite work, including service work in schools, daycares, hospitals, and nursing homes.^[10]

Licensing agency: Kentucky Department of Agriculture — Division of Environmental Services^[12].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

The Warren County Extension Office's horticulture program offers plant, weed, and insect identification along with disease diagnosis.^[4]

Through the year

Spring

According to UK Entomology, spring is typically when large numbers of winged termite swarmers emerge inside homes.^[6]

Fall

In Kentucky, most Asian lady beetle migration into buildings happens in October, according to UK Entomology.^[7]

Sources

1. Barren River District Health Department, “General Sanitation.” www.barrenriverhealth.org/services/general-sanitation (accessed 2026-10-06)
2. City of Bowling Green, “Common Violations.” www.bgky.org/ncs/code-compliance-animal-protection/common-violations (accessed 2026-10-06)
3. City of Bowling Green, “Property Maintenance Code.” www.bgky.org/ncs/code-compliance-animal-protection/property-maintenance-code (accessed 2026-10-06)
4. University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, Warren County, “Horticulture.” warren.mgcafe.uky.edu/horticulture (accessed 2026-10-06)
5. University of Kentucky Entomology, “ENTFACT-639: Termite Baits - A Guide for Homeowners.” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef639 (accessed 2026-10-06)
6. University of Kentucky Entomology, “ENTFACT-604: Termite Control: Answers for Homeowners.” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef604 (accessed 2026-10-06)
7. University of Kentucky Entomology, “ENTFACT-416: Asian Lady Beetle Infestation of Structures.” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef416 (accessed 2026-10-06)
8. University of Kentucky Entomology, “ENTFACT-453: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) FAQs for Kentuckians.” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef453 (accessed 2026-10-06)
9. University of Kentucky Entomology, “ENTFACT-618: Ticks and Disease in Kentucky.” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef618 (accessed 2026-10-06)
10. Kentucky Department of Agriculture, “Commercial and Non-commercial Structural Pesticide Licenses / Certification.” www.kyagr.com/licensing/ag-licensing.aspx?program=29 (accessed 2026-10-06)
11. USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 42101 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/42101.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
12. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)