Bugs and spiders in Kentucky

What to watch for in Kentucky

Northern black widow, southern black widow and brown recluse are all established in Kentucky, and the brown recluse is the most recorded of the three. Check boxes, closets and garage corners with gloves on. The brown widow has a few records here, but it is not known to live in the state, and such sightings are often hitchhikers or misidentified young black widows. Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) can talk through a bite that worries you.

Ticks matter here too. Lone star, American dog, blacklegged and brown dog ticks are established, and the lone star tick is recorded most. All can carry disease, and lone star bites are linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a red-meat allergy. Eastern yellowjackets are common, so be careful near nests in late summer. Spotted lanternflies are established but harmless.

Through the year

Spring

Eastern carpenter bees are busiest in April through June, lone star tick nymphs begin in May, and Asian lady beetles try to get back outside on warm days through April.

Summer

Dark fishing spiders and European paper wasps are around the house, eastern yellowjacket nests keep growing, and greenhouse millipedes appear after heavy rain.

Fall

Boxelder bugs start moving in during late August, then brown marmorated stink bugs, Asian lady beetles and western conifer seed bugs follow in September and October.

Winter

Barn funnel weavers and long-bodied cellar spiders live indoors year-round, house centipedes are noticed more in winter, and boxelder bugs stir on warm late-winter days.