Focus on the Home:

Pest Management

Termite Image Citation: Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org

When it comes to insects and spiders, Kentucky is one of the safest places on earth!

Image Citation: 2013 Microsoft Corporation

Objectives• Be aware of “bad bugs” vs. harmless bugs• Learn basic steps to detect indoor pest problems

before they happen

Wolf Spider Image Citation: B. Newton, University of KY

Please Note: This program focuses on indoor insect pests. For information on mammals, birds, snakes, and other creatures that may infest your home contact your local Extension Office.

ENT FACT: Wolf spiders often wander into homes. Because they are brown in color, wolf spiders are often mistaken for brown recluses. Like most Kentucky spiders, the bites of wolf spiders are harmless except to allergic individuals.

Bed Bugs• Increasingly common, especially in multi-unit

structures (hotels, apartments, dorms)• Not related to economic conditions• Don’t transmit diseases• Can cause painful, itchy bites

Image Citation: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Bed Bugs• Small, reddish brown insects• Emerge mostly at night• Feed on human and animal blood• During the day they hide where humans sleep and

commonly sit and rest (mattresses, couches, etc.)

Image Citation: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Bed Bug Defense• Check beds when traveling• Clean and dry clothing after traveling• Examine second-hand furniture and clothing

before bringing them into your home

Travel Tip: To help guard against bed bugs while traveling, take a moment to inspect beds. A small flashlight is useful for dimly-lit areas.

Image Citation: M. Potter, University of KY

HEALTH•Contact a pest control professional•Heat treatments are costly but can work very well•In multi-units: make sure the whole structure is inspected and treated

Bed Bug Management

Image Citation: M. Potter, University of KY

HEALTHTermites

•Look for “swarmers” in spring, early summer•Contact pest control agency

Image Citation: Gary Alpert, Harvard University, Bugwood.org

Powderpost Beetles

• Primarily pests of new homes and new furniture

• Rarely cause major damage• Good to be aware of them

Image Citation: Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org

Carpenter Ants• Cause damage similar to termite• Work slower than termite and rarely cause major

structural damage• Prefer moist, damp wood• Contact pest control company

Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

Pantry Pests• Examples: grain moths, flour beetles, rice weevils• Infest whole grains, processed foods, pet food, bird seed,

decorative items (Indian corn, dried flower arrangements)

Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

Image Citation: 2013 Microsoft Corporation

Control of ALL Pantry Pests• Conduct a thorough search• Dispose of all infested items• Remove spilled dry goods (even a little bit!)• Seal open bags• Thoroughly clean and vacuum

After treatment, good sanitation and proper storage are keys to preventing future problems.

Fabric Pests• Examples include clothes moths and carpet beetles• Feed on wool sweaters, rugs, taxidermy, feathers• Controlled in same way as pantry pests• Find the infested item, dispose of it, or eliminate the

infestation using cold or heat

Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

Image Citation: University of Georgia Archive, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

Cockroaches• There are many different kinds of roaches. The

occasional wood cockroach is nothing to worry about.

American Cockroach vs. Wood Cockroach

Image Citation: Daniel R. Suiter, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org Image Citation: Johnny N. Dell, Bugwood.org

Cockroaches• German and American cockroaches can spread disease

and aggravate respiratory illnesses • If you see multiple cockroaches:

• Remove all food sources• Eliminate roaches using bait

stations or pastes (read all label instructions)

• If over-the-counter methods fail or aren’t desirable contact a pest control professional

Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

Fleas• Don’t spread diseases to humans, but can transmit

diseases dangerous to pets• Manage fleas by using a pet-centered flea control• Use products all year round• Contact vet for best options

Image Citation: A. Osborne, University of KY

Ladybugs

• Beneficial to humans – feed on many garden and crop pests

• In fall can become a pest in our homes when looking for place to spend winter

• Can stain carpets and clothing, and produce foul odor

• Remove ladybugs that get indoors by hand or vacuum

• Seal cracks and crevicesImage Citation: M. Potter, University of KY

Crickets

•Often found in unfinished basements, garages, and other cool, humid indoor locations. •Not harmful to humans. •They do not infest food or damage possessions. •Control is not necessary.•Numbers can be reduced by sealing cracks and crevices and by reducing moisture.

Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

Flies

• Pomace flies (often called “fruit flies”) – remove ripe fruit

• Moth flies (often called “drain flies”) – unclog drains• Fungus gnats – breed in damp soil of house plants• Harmless to people

Image Citation: 2013 Microsoft Corporation

Silverfish

•Silverfish are not really fish but insects. •Feed on items, such as wallpaper paste, book-bindings, and other glue- or starch-like materials, as well as, dried foods (just like the pantry pests). •Silverfish are not harmful to humans.

Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

Silverfish•Rarely cause significant damage to property, although they are sometimes a threat to antique books, historic wallpaper, carpet, tapestries, and other collectibles that are made of paper, glue, or other organic materials. •In situations where those types of items are kept, it is best to consult a pest control professional. •In most other cases, control is not necessary.

Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

Spiders• Non-dangerous spiders are very common in homes

(grass spiders, wolf spiders, cellar spiders, and house spiders)

Image Citation: B. Newton, University of KY

Grass Spider Cellar Spider

Black Widow Spiders

•Common in garages, sheds, piles of rocks and wood•Do not wander from webs•Won’t bite unless touched•Causes pain, increased heart-rate•Rarely fatal, but hospital attention is a must•Contact Pest Control Professional Image Citation:James O. Howell, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

Brown Recluse Spiders

•More common in West KY•Found in basements, attics, abandoned buildings•Skin infections are often misdiagnosed as brown recluse bites•Very timid spiders

Image Citation: Eddie McGriff, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

Centipedes and Millipedes•Not insects, but closely related to insects. •Both are long-bodied with dozens of legs, and so they look very similar, but their behavior is very different. •Both can be very common inside homes; neither is cause for concern.

House Centipede Image Citation: Gary Alpert, Harvard University, Bugwood.org

Millipede Image Citation: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Centipedes•Has 14 pairs of very long legs and it is sometimes seen at night as it races across floors and walls in search of prey. •Although their presence can be startling, they are harmless, and can actually help reduce the numbers of other pests, including roaches and ants.

House Centipede Image Citation: Gary Alpert, Harvard University, Bugwood.org

Millipedes•Usually seen in the fall and spring•Looking for a place to spend the winter•Harmless, although they will sometimes scavenge for food in places that are close to the floor, like houseplants, spilled food, and even litter boxes. •Do not harm people or pets, and they rarely cause significant damage to food or other possessions.

Millipede Image Citation: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

General Pest Control Tips• Sanitation• Remove and clean up spilled food• Dispose of garbage quickly• Vacuum frequently• Take care when bringing home used clothing and

furniture • Seal cracks and crevices• Keep doors and windows closed• Fix leaky faucets• Watch for water damage in bathrooms and kitchens

Insect Identification Service

If you find a pest in your home and you are not sure what it is, bring it to your local County Extension Office. Many times, they will be able to identify it for you right away. If not, they will send it to the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky. Along with identification, the county Extension office can help you with control options. This identification service is free.

This PowerPoint presentation was prepared by Blake Newton, 4-H/Youth Development Specialist, Department of Entomology, and Ashley Osborne, Environmental and Natural Resource Issues. March 2013. Blake Newton, M.S., 4-H/Youth Development Specialist Ashley Osborne, M.S., Extension Associate for Environmental and Natural Resource Issues

For additional information visit Kentucky ENTfacts:http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/dept/entfacts.asp

Image Citation: B. Newton, University of KY

Female Jumping Spider