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Pests and pest control in Kentucky

Pests to know in Kentucky

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

Pests documented in Kentucky

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

Many public records (512)

Fewer public records (223)

Range named by extension sources (1)

Termites in Kentucky

UK Entomology says spring is typically when large numbers of winged termite swarmers emerge inside homes.[2]

Invasive species reported here

As of the end of 2022, emerald ash borer had been found in 103 of Kentucky's 120 counties.[6]

Pests local experts flag

  • Brown recluse infestations in Kentucky become more common farther west in the state.[3]
  • In Kentucky, lone star tick adults and nymphs are active March through September.[4]

Public agencies that handle pests

The Kentucky Department for Public Health provides tickborne disease information, noting that infected ticks can spread illnesses such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.[7]

Hiring a licensed company

Kentucky's pesticide regulatory agency is the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (Division of Environmental Services).[1]

Licensing agency: Kentucky Department of Agriculture — Division of Environmental Services[1].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

  • UK Entomology directs Kentuckians to bring insect questions and specimens to their county Extension office for identification help.[8]
  • UK Entomology runs a Kentucky tick surveillance project that accepts mailed ticks for identification and testing to study tickborne issues in the state.[9]

Local guides in Kentucky

Through the year

Fall
In Kentucky, most Asian lady beetle migration into buildings happens in October.[5]

Sources

  1. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. University of Kentucky Department of Entomology, “Termite Control: Answers for Homeowners (ENTFACT-604).” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef604 (accessed 2026-10-06)
  3. University of Kentucky Department of Entomology, “Brown Recluse Spider (ENTFACT-631).” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef631 (accessed 2026-10-06)
  4. University of Kentucky Department of Entomology, “Ticks and Disease in Kentucky (ENTFACT-618).” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef618 (accessed 2026-10-06)
  5. University of Kentucky Department of Entomology, “Asian Lady Beetle Infestation of Structures (ENTFACT-416).” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef416 (accessed 2026-10-06)
  6. University of Kentucky Department of Entomology, “Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) FAQs for Kentuckians (ENTFACT-453).” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef453 (accessed 2026-10-06)
  7. Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Public Health, “Tickborne Diseases.” www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/idb/Pages/tick-borne.aspx (accessed 2026-10-06)
  8. University of Kentucky Department of Entomology, “University of Kentucky Department of Entomology.” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  9. University of Kentucky Department of Entomology, “Guide to Shipping Ticks for Identification and Testing.” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ticksurveillance2022 (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.