Periodical cicadas have been in the news in 2024 as there will be a pair of broods emerging at the same time this year. This pairing is of Brood 13 and Brood 19, the combination of which will result in…
Periodical cicadas have been in the news in 2024 as there will be a pair of broods emerging at the same time this year. This pairing is of Brood 13 and Brood 19, the combination of which will result in…
The spotted lanternfly (aka SLF) is the newest invasive species that has found its way to the Bluegrass State. In early October, a homeowner in Gallatin County noticed the adult form of this insect on their property and worked with…
In yards, gardens, and parks across Kentucky, people have noticed a loud insectoid buzz in the air. At first, this noise is mistaken for a squad of bumble bees arriving in force. However, this particular buzz isn’t from bees, it’s…
May beetles, also known as May-June beetles or June bugs, are a very literally named group of beetles. Like clockwork, many species in this group start to emerge as adults as spring truly settles in, usually in mid- to late…
Last year, Kentucky was one of the many states impacted by a historic outbreak of fall armyworms. Much of the eastern U.S. was eaten up by these hungry, hungry caterpillars with lawns and fields on the menu. While things eventually…
Autumn has arrived in Kentucky and, as leaves will soon begin to change color and fall from trees, it is time to focus on landscape sanitation. Good sanitation practices can help reduce disease-causing pathogens. These organisms can survive for months…
Monarch butterflies are one of the few insects we could describe as “beloved” by much of the public. Due to their popularity, we have seen an increase in folks wanting to create their own monarch plantings made up of milkweed…
What is happening with cicadas in 2021? 2021 will feature the emergence of Brood X, one of the groups of periodical cicadas that lives in Kentucky. Brood X is a 17-year brood, meaning that the insects that will be aboveground…
The University of Kentucky Department of Entomology receives several calls a year from growers concerned about ground-nesting or digger bees in their gardens. There are many different species of these bees, and while their sizes can vary, they are generally…
Whether you call them fireflies or lightningbugs, seeing them in the evening is a pleasant reminder that we are moving into the early summer months. It is fascinating to watch their periodic flashes and the patterns they make with their…
Several insects thrive in decaying organic matter, so compost bins usually provide all the resources that they need. Maggots are an important part of the nutrient recycling process. Black soldier fly maggots are among the most disturbing of the “decay…
Time to check for pine sawflies. Second generations of the redheaded and introduced pine sawfly are active now and can cause significant defoliation if not detected early. Female wasps insert their eggs into needles at the top of the tree,…
The golden argiope is one of the more spectacular, and sometimes the most alarming, spider that we see in early fall. They may bite if bothered but are not dangerous. This orb weaver spider makes a flat, wheel-like web with…
Velvet ant Cicada killers, velvet ants, and Scolia wasps are among the wasps in lawns now. While these insects are intent on carrying out their daily chores and tend to disregard humans, they can cause painful stings if disturbed. Velvet…
Japanese beetles are emerging, and there are early indications that populations are well above normal in some areas. Upcoming rain will soften the soil and spur more emergence. When practical, hand removal is an effective way to control this insect…