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Pests and pest control in Indiana

Pests to know in Indiana

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

Pests documented in Indiana

From public GBIF occurrence records since 1990. A record means a species was documented in Indiana, not that it's common near you.

Many public records (613)

Fewer public records (203)

Range named by extension sources (1)

Invasive species reported here

A spotted lanternfly population was identified in Switzerland County, Indiana, near the Ohio River, in July 2021.[5]

Pests local experts flag

  • Purdue Extension says the black widow and the brown recluse are the only spiders in Indiana capable of seriously injuring people.[2]
  • The American dog tick is the most common tick on humans and dogs in Indiana and occurs in all 92 counties.[3]
  • The blacklegged tick, which transmits Lyme disease, appears to be much more abundant in the northwest quadrant of Indiana.[3]

Public agencies that handle pests

The Indiana Department of Health's Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Disease Program works with local health departments on surveillance, prevention and control of diseases spread by mosquitoes and ticks.[6]

Hiring a licensed company

Indiana's pesticide regulatory agency is the Office of Indiana State Chemist (Pesticide Section).[1]

Licensing agency: Office of Indiana State Chemist — Pesticide Section[1].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

Purdue's Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory diagnoses plant diseases and identifies insects, plants and weeds.[7]

Local guides in Indiana

Through the year

Spring to Summer
Adult American dog ticks in Indiana appear in April, peak in June, and are seldom seen after early July.[3]
Fall
Purdue Extension says Asian lady beetles begin congregating on buildings in mid-October, usually peaking by month's end.[4]

Sources

  1. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. Purdue University Extension Entomology, “Spiders (E-72).” extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-72/E-72.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  3. Purdue University Extension Entomology, “The Biology and Medical Importance of Ticks in Indiana (E-243).” extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-243.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
  4. Purdue University Extension Entomology, “Asian Lady Beetle (E-214).” extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-214/E-214.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  5. Indiana Department of Natural Resources, “Entomology: Spotted Lanternfly.” www.in.gov/dnr/entomology/pests-of-concern/spotted-lanternfly/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  6. Indiana Department of Health, “Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Disease.” www.in.gov/health/idepd/zoonotic-and-vectorborne-epidemiology-entomology/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  7. Purdue University, “Plant & Pest Diagnostic Lab.” ag.purdue.edu/department/btny/ppdl/ (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-06. Every statement on this page comes from the cited state, federal or university source. Spot an error? Tell us.