Thrips are tiny plant-feeding insects that leave pastures, hay fields, or grassy areas in large numbers immediately after these areas are mowed. The tiny insects can fly or be blown by winds to end up in yards or around swimming…

Tick season is underway, so it is important to take precautions to protect yourself from bites. Check yourself every 2 hours while in areas were ticks are known or likely to be present and very thoroughly after returning home from…

The lone star tick and the American dog tick (Figure 1) are the most common tick species found on humans and companion animals in Kentucky. These ticks are significant threats to everyone who works, plays, hunts, hikes, or camps in…

Dealing with chiggers is never pleasant but is an expected risk taken when venturing into tall grass during mid- to late summer. Unfortunately, there are other ways to have chigger-like experiences. The oak leaf itch mite can give the same…

There are several species of flannel caterpillars that may be encountered. The ones most commonly reported in Central and Eastern Kentucky are the black wave flannel moth caterpillar and the white flannel moth caterpillar.  Both have painful stinging hairs if…

Fallen, rotting fruit, along with plants infested with aphids and other sap-feeding insects, attract yellow jackets, hornets, paper wasps, bees, and flies that are looking for a late season “sweet fix.” Management Options Here are some ways to try to…