Pests to know in Lexington
Termites in Lexington
Subterranean termites are the type common to Kentucky, living underground in colonies that can number in the millions and forage across areas up to half an acre.[4]
Invasive species reported here
As of the end of 2022, the invasive emerald ash borer had been found in 103 of Kentucky's 120 counties, attacking green, white, and blue ash.[7]
Pests local experts flag
The brown recluse spider lives in Kentucky, and UK entomologists note infestations become more common the farther west you go in the state.[6]
Climate
Central Lexington (ZIP 40507) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 7a, where the average coldest winter night is 0 to 5°F.[10]
Public agencies that handle pests
- The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department gives the public at least 48 hours' notice before any mosquito spraying, which is done in the morning hours.[1]
- LFCHD surveys Lexington neighborhoods for standing water and treats water that can't be drained with larvicide; residents can report standing water to Environmental Health at (859) 231-9791.[1]
- Lexington's mosquito spraying only happens when wind is under 10 mph, the temperature is above 55°F, and there is no rain or dense fog.[1]
- Under Kentucky law, any animal bite to a person in Fayette County must be reported to the health department within 12 hours, and biting dogs and cats are quarantined for 10 days.[2]
Local rules and responsibilities
Lexington Code Enforcement handles yard, lot, and housing nuisance complaints under Chapter 12 of the LFUCG Code of Ordinances; report them through LexCall at 311 or (859) 425-2255.[3]
Hiring a licensed company
Kentucky's structural pest management law defines a license as a Kentucky Department of Agriculture credential certifying someone to apply pesticides in a structural pest category, with a Structural Pest Management Advisory Board.[9]
Free local help
The Fayette County Extension Office, part of the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University network, is at 1140 Harry Sykes Way in Lexington and offers horticulture programs.[8]
Through the year
- Spring
- In Kentucky, spring is when swarms of winged termites usually emerge inside infested homes, triggered by warmer temperatures and rain.[5]
- Winter to Fall
- UK entomologists say Kentucky termites are most active from spring through fall, so termite bait stations are found fastest then and less productive in late fall and winter.[4]
Sources
- Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, “Mosquito Control.” www.lfchd.org/mosquito-control/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, “Rabies Control.” www.lfchd.org/rabies-control/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, “Code Enforcement.” www.lexingtonky.gov/departments/code-enforcement (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Kentucky Entomology, “ENTFACT-639: Termite Baits - A Guide for Homeowners.” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef639 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Kentucky Entomology, “ENTFACT-604: Termite Control: Answers for Homeowners.” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef604 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Kentucky Entomology, “ENTFACT-631: Brown Recluse Spider.” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef631 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Kentucky Entomology, “ENTFACT-453: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) FAQs for Kentuckians.” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef453 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, “Fayette County Extension.” extension.mgcafe.uky.edu/fayette (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Kentucky General Assembly, “KRS 217B.500 Definitions.” apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=51121 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 40507 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/40507.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)