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…

Sweat Bees Sweat bees (Figure 1) are solitary insects that busily visit flowers to collect pollen and nectar that they carry back to their burrows. Many species in Kentucky have dark bodies while others are bright with a metallic sheen.…

Four recent samples of eastern conenose bug (a species of kissing bug) lets us know that the insect is active. All were adults, which are good fliers and attracted to lights. Encounters are most likely in homes near wooded areas.…

Tiny lone star tick larvae (“seed ticks”) will be active over the next few weeks (Figure 1). Reaction to their bites cause painful itching that can last for 7 to 20 days. Dressing appropriately, using repellents, and checking regularly for…