Pests to know in Louisville
Termites in Louisville
University of Kentucky entomologists say spring is when termite swarmers typically emerge inside Kentucky homes, and finding them indoors almost always means treatment is needed.[4]
Invasive species reported here
University of Kentucky entomologists warn spotted lanternfly threatens Kentucky's wine, apple, Christmas tree, hops and forest industries.[9]
Pests local experts flag
- The brown recluse spider occurs in Kentucky, and University of Kentucky entomologists note infestations become more common farther west in the state.[6]
- University of Kentucky entomologists describe the lone star tick as very common in Kentucky, often present in large numbers, and an active pursuer of hosts.[8]
Climate
Central Louisville (ZIP 40202) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 7a, where the average coldest winter night is 0 to 5°F.[11]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness pretreats 385 known standing-water areas with larvicide, including wet woods, flood-prone spots, drainage easements and vacant properties.[1]
- At least three times a year, Louisville Metro applies larvicide to roughly 14,500 Metropolitan Sewer District catch basins.[1]
- Louisville Metro sets mosquito traps around the community, then identifies the species and tests them for disease; residents file mosquito complaints through Metro311.[1]
- Louisville residents can ask to be added to the Metro health department's No Fogging list.[2]
- Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness does not inspect homes for bed bugs but checks for them during hotel and motel inspections and responds to complaints at businesses and shelters.[3]
Hiring a licensed company
Kentucky requires Category 7A structural certification for general pest and termite work, including service in schools, daycares, hospitals and nursing homes; 7B covers fumigation.[5]
Free local help
Kentucky residents can bring insect questions and specimens to their local county extension office for identification and management help at no cost.[10]
Through the year
Sources
- Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, “Mosquito Control is now Vector Control.” louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/mosquito-control (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, “Mosquito Fogging.” louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/mosquito-fogging (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, “Bed Bugs.” louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/bedbugs (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Kentucky Entomology, “Termite Control: Answers for Homeowners (ENTFACT-604).” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef604 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- 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)
- University of Kentucky Entomology, “Brown Recluse Spider (ENTFACT-631).” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef631 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Kentucky Entomology, “Asian Lady Beetle Infestation of Structures (ENTFACT-416).” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef416 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Kentucky Entomology, “Ticks and Disease in Kentucky (ENTFACT-618).” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef618 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Kentucky Entomology, “Spotted Lanternfly (ENTFACT-465).” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef465 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Kentucky Entomology, “Entfacts.” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/entfacts (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 40202 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/40202.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)