Mosquito trapping and testing is underway in many states, including Kentucky, as part of overall public health programs. The relatively mild winter of 2016-2017 favored greater survival of species, such as the house mosquito complex, that overwinter as adults. In…
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Protect Yourself from Ticks
Ticks can make outdoor activities very uncomfortable, as well as pose a potential health threat (see Ticks and Disease in Kentucky EntFact 618). Tick season extends from mid-March through August across the Commonwealth. Important Kentucky Ticks Lone Star Tick Tick…
Posted in Human Pests
Ticks May Be on the Rise This Year
A series of notes on the radio, television, and printed media has provided information on predicting high populations of ticks in New York this year. This is based on a plague of mice in the Hudson Valley in the summer…
Posted in Human Pests, Pet Pests
Be Ready for Ticks
The lone star tick and the American dog tick (Figure 1) are common problem species found in Kentucky and much of the eastern U.S. They are a significant threat to everyone who works, plays, hunts, hikes, or camps in or…
Posted in Human Pests
Two Species of Ticks Active During Kentucky Winters
Black-legged Tick In recent years, the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) (Figure 1) has become increasingly more common in Kentucky and now occurs throughout the state (Figure 2). Adults are active from November through March, whenever the temperature is above freezing.…
Solving Some Mystery Bites
“Mystery bites” plague a significant number of people. Unfortunately, there can be a range of causes, most of which do not involve insects. The frustration of invisible itches can cause significant stress and anxiety. Even when they are insect-related, it…
Posted in Human Pests
Stinging Caterpillars
Late season caterpillars are out in full force. Many use camouflage or secretive behavior to avoid predators. In contrast, stinging caterpillars have brittle, hollow spines connected to venom glands. These spines easily penetrate and break off in the skin. Then,…
Posted in Human Pests
