Hate cockroaches and other bugs? KY’s spring pest outlook isn’t looking good for you
A rainy start to spring may cause increased mosquito populations in Kentucky this year, according to the National Pest Management Association, and ticks, cockroaches and ants will also pester residents.
The NPMA issued its Spring and Summer 2023 Bug Barometer March 21, and Kentucky is in the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Midwest region. The bug barometer is a nationwide seasonal pest forecast.
“A cool start to spring followed by a hot and rainy summer could delay the start of peak pest season,” the NPMA forecast for Kentucky reads. “However, warm and wet conditions throughout the summer could lead to increased tick and mosquito activity. Wet summer conditions may also drive ants indoors in search of drier nesting locations.”
Here’s more on what to expect in the coming months.
How to protect your Kentucky home from pests
As spring brings warmer temperatures, it’s a good time to start taking precautions to protect against mosquitoes, ticks, ants and other pests, Dr. Mike Bentley, NPMA executive director, told the Herald-Leader.
“We’re definitely in that beginning activity period where we can start to see a noticeable increase in pest activity,” Bentley said.
When it comes to mosquitoes, one of the most important things you can do to avoid attracting them is to check your yard for any standing water.
“Mosquitoes only need about a bottle cap of water to complete their development,” Bentley said.
If you live near a wooded area, you should try to create a sort of “buffer zone” between your property and nature, Bentley continued. Keeping a strip of grass cut very low and free of debris may help to create a less ideal environment for ticks.
To keep ants, cockroaches and mice out of your home, Bentley recommends checking your screens, windows and doors for any weather stripping that may need repairs. Seals need to be in good condition to limit access points for any unwanted guests.
Make sure to keep up on your trash collection dates, as even a couple weeks of buildup can allow flies to flock to your cans.
When spending time outdoors, you should consider wearing insect repellent with at least 20% DEET or another U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved active ingredient, Bentley added.
More on tick, mosquito precautions
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people check for ticks in the shower after spending time outdoors. The CDC reports emergency department visits for tick bites usually peak in May, but start increasing in April.
If you find a tick attached to yourself, the CDC advises to remove it as quickly as possible. You can do this using fine-tipped tweezers, pulling upward and cleaning the bite area.
To prevent mosquito bites, the EPA recommends people remove mosquito habitats if possible. It can be helpful to eliminate standing water and empty and change bird bath water.
Do you have a question about critters in Kentucky for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.
