1. Focus on the Home: Pest Management
Image Description: subterranean termite, Schedorhinotermes actuosus (Hill)
Image Citation: Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org
Termite Image Citation: Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org

2. When it comes to insects and spiders, Kentucky is one of the safest places on earth!
Talking Points:
Kentucky is home to many species of insects and spiders.
Most of Kentucky’s insects and spiders are not harmful and do not pose a threat to us or our property.
A small number of insects and spiders found in Kentucky can damage our homes, eat our food, and even deliver dangerous bites and stings.
Kentucky Image: 2013 Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft Clipart Online)
Image Citation: 2013 Microsoft Corporation

3. Objectives Be aware of “bad bugs” vs. harmless bugs
Learn basic steps to detect indoor pest problems before they happen
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.
Talking Points:
This lesson is designed to help you tell the “bad bugs” from harmless ones, and show you a few basic steps that can help you detect indoor pest problems before they happen.
Please note that this presentation focuses on indoor insect and spider pests. For information about mammals (rodents, raccoons, or bats for instance), birds, snakes, or other creatures that may infest homes, contact your local County Extension office.
Wolf Spider Image Citation: B. Newton, University of KY
Wolf Spider Image Citation: B. Newton, University of KY

4. 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
Talking Points:
Although bed bugs were practically eliminated from the United States in the 1940s and ‘50s, they are making a comeback. Populations are now common in Kentucky, especially in multi-unit structures like hotels, apartment buildings, dormitories, and other buildings where lots of people come and go.
Bed bug infestations are not related to economic conditions.
While bed bugs have not been implicated in the transmission of disease, infestations must be taken seriously. Bed bugs can cause painful bites and their presence can bring stress to a household.
Image (Left) Description: Adult after feeding for two minutes. Second of a 6 part feeding sequence Image Citation: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org Image (Right) Description: Inflammation developing approximately two days after bed bug feeding.
Image Citation: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
Image Citation: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

5. 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
Talking Points:
Bed bugs are small, reddish brown insects that emerge, mostly at night, to feed on human and animal blood. During the day, they hide in the seams of mattresses, behind headboards, between bed slats, and other locations where humans sleep. They are also sometimes found where people commonly sit and rest, like couches or armchairs.
Image (Left) Description: Bed bugs most often congregate along seams and edges of mattresses and box springs. Blackish spots are excrement.
Image Citation: M. Potter, University of KY
Image (Right) Description: Mixed life stages and cast skins on nickel Image Citation: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

6. 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.
Talking Points:
Homeowners can work to prevent bed bug infestations by taking care while traveling and when bringing new or used objects into their homes—bed bugs infestations typically originate when an infested suitcase, clothing item, or piece of furniture is brought into the home.
For detailed travel tips and other information and bed bug detection and prevention a factsheet titled Bed Bugs is available at your Cooperative Extension Service Office, and online at
Image Description: 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
Image Citation: M. Potter, University of KY

7. HEALTH Bed Bug Management 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
Talking Points:
Once bed bugs have established inside a home, control will only be effective with the help of a pest control professional. If you have bed bugs, contact a pest control professional to get the elimination process started.
If you find bugs in a bedroom and are not sure if they are bed bugs, bring them to your county extension office for confirmation.
Image Description: Steaming kill bugs and eggs on contact but afford no lasting protection.
Image Citation: M. Potter, University of KY
Image Citation: M. Potter, University of KY

8. HEALTH Termites Look for “swarmers” in spring, early summer
Contact pest control agency
Talking Points:
Several Kentucky insects can damage the wood in our homes.
The subterranean termite has the best potential to cause major economic damage to a home, barn, or other wooden structure.
Most termites live in Kentucky’s forests. There, they perform a valuable service: turning dead trees back into soil. Generally, they avoid homes: they do not like to eat the bone-dry wood that is used in home-construction. But when wood becomes wet—from leaky faucets, leaky roofs, or flood damage—termites will readily move indoors.
Termites can be very difficult to detect. They do most of their damage underground and behind walls, and in other places that are hidden from view. Many times, a homeowner will not become aware of a termite infestation until they see “swarmers.”
Swarmers are the winged stage of a termite. They leave the hive during spring to look for new nesting-sites, and often enter the living spaces of homes as they move out and away from the hidden wood that they have been infesting. This doesn’t mean that the termites are gone, though. It means that there are lots more, still hiding and feeding.
The good news about termites is that they do their damage very slowly. If you see swarmers in your home, it is a good idea to take action, but it doesn’t mean that your home is ruined. It can take termites five years or more to do serious structural damage.
If you suspect that your home is infested with termites, call a pest control professional.
Image (Left) Description: adult eastern subterranean termite – workers and soldiers
Image (Right) Description: adult eastern subterranean termite – winged reproductives
Image Citation: Gary Alpert, Harvard University, Bugwood.org
Image Citation: Gary Alpert, Harvard University, Bugwood.org

9. 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
Talking Points:
Another important wood organism in KY is the powderpost beetle. Powderpost beetles are primarily pests of new homes and new furniture. Likewise, they rarely cause major damage, but it is a good idea for homeowners to be aware of them.

10. 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
Talking Points:
Another important wood organism in KY is the carpenter ant. Carpenter ants cause damage similar to termite damage, but they work more slowly and rarely cause major structural damage.
Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

11. 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)
Talking Points:
Stored product or pantry pests include several beetles, moths, and mites that can infest whole grains or processed foods.
Usually, the first sign of a problem is the appearance of small beetles crawling over counter tops, moths flying across rooms, or caterpillars crawling up walls or across ceilings.
In general, the greater the number of insects seen, the older the infestation.
Often the initial source is partially used boxes or bags of products that have been forgotten in the backs of pantries and shelves.
Image Description: Adult rice weevil
Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org Pantry Image: 2013 Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft Clipart Online)
Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org
Image Citation: 2013 Microsoft Corporation

12. 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
Talking Points:
A thorough search is needed to locate all infested items. If they are not found in pantries or cupboards, then begin to look at such things as decorative items or bird seed.
Disposal of all infested materials.
Check all items in pantries or on shelves. Often beetles can be found beneath cans and other items.
Thoroughly clean and vacuum the shelves, both upper and lower surfaces, and use a crevice attachment to clean cracks and crevices.
Place products from cardboard, paper, or plastic containers into jars or other containers that can be sealed tightly.
Decorative items such as Indian corn, dried flower arrangements, or bird feed may be treated with heat (155°F for about 20 minutes with the oven door propped open) or in a non-self-defrosting freezer at 0°F for 4 days. Afterwards, decorative items and pet foods that have been de-infested can be kept and reused by the homeowner.
After treatment, good sanitation and proper storage are keys to preventing future problems.
After treatment, good sanitation and proper storage are keys to preventing future problems.

13. 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
Talking Points:
Like pantry pests, there are several Kentucky insects that feed on dry organic fabrics.
Clothes moths or carpet beetles will feed on wool sweaters, rugs, taxidermy, or even feathers.
They are controlled in exactly the same way as pantry pests: a homeowner should find the infested item and either dispose of it or eliminate the infestation using cold or heat.
Image (Right) Description: Furniture carpet beetle – adult and larvae on wool
Image (Right) Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org
Image (Left) Description: Casemaking cloth moth damage
Image (Left) Citation: University of Georgia Archive, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Image Citation: University of Georgia Archive, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

14. American Cockroach vs. Wood Cockroach
Cockroaches
There are many different kinds of roaches. The occasional wood cockroach is nothing to worry about.
American Cockroach vs. Wood Cockroach
Talking Points:
The occasional cockroach shows up in every home from time to time. These loners are usually wood cockroaches, and they are nothing to worry about.
Image (Left) Description: Nymph American Cockroaches
Image (Left) Citation: Daniel R. Suiter, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org Image (Right) Description: Adult Wood Cockroach
Image (Right) Citation: Johnny N. Dell, Bugwood.org
Image Citation: Daniel R. Suiter, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Image Citation: Johnny N. Dell, Bugwood.org

15. 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
Talking Points:
Large infestations of German or American cockroaches, however, can spread disease and even cause or exacerbate respiratory illnesses.
Effective products are available to homeowners to combat roach infestations.
If a homeowner sees multiple cockroaches in a kitchen, bathroom, basement, or any other indoor location, the first step is sanitation. Remove food sources (empty soda bottles, open food containers, piles of crumbs) and hiding places (cardboard boxes and piles of wood or paper). Next, eliminate the roaches using over-the-counter cockroach bait stations or pastes. These products are very effective, but must be placed where the roaches congregate—read the product label for instructions. Boric acid may also be used, but it requires more care to be effective.
If over-the-counter methods fail or are not desirable, or if a particularly large infestation occurs in a large or multi-unit structure, a pest control professional may need to intervene.
Image Description: Adult German Cockroach
Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org
Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

16. Image Citation: A. Osborne, University of KY
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
Talking Points:
In Kentucky, cat or dog owners are likely to encounter flea problems if preventive measures are not taken.
Fleas are highly mobile, and will jump from pet to carpet to person, and then back again. Fleas are able to complete their life cycle indoors, breeding and making new fleas.
Fleas are not able to spread diseases to humans in Kentucky, but their bites can be annoying, and can transmit dangerous diseases to pets.
The best way to manage fleas is by using pet-centered flea control. These are pills, liquid drops (often applied to the back of the pet’s neck), or collars. All can be equally effective, but may work better for some pets than for others.
Because of Kentucky’s mild climate, it is best to use these products all year round or at least from spring-fall. These treatments are typically also effective against ticks. Visit your veterinarian to find the best option.
If a flea outbreak occurs before this approach is initiated, a homeowner should still seek a pet-centered approach as a first step. Eventually, the flea population will die off. In the meantime, bites can be reduced by vacuuming any area where pets congregate, or by contacting a pest control professional.
Image: A. Osborne, University of KY
Image Citation: A. Osborne, University of KY

17. 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 crevices
Talking Points:
In some parts of Kentucky, ladybugs are a common home invader.
Ladybugs, also known as “lady beetles” and “ladybird beetles,” are small red or orange beetles, usually with black spots.
Most of the time, ladybugs are beneficial to humans. They are predators that feed on many garden and crop pests, including aphids and caterpillars.
In the fall they can become a pest when they are looking for a place to spend the winter. Sometimes, they will enter homes by the hundreds or even thousands.
Once inside, they do not infest food or destroy belongings, but they can stain carpets and clothing and they produce a foul odor. They will also give occasional bites (the bites are harmless but annoying) and there is evidence that they may contribute to indoor allergies.
Pesticides do not work very well to keep ladybugs out. The best defense is to seal cracks and crevices and to remove any ladybugs that get indoors, either by hand or by vacuum.
Image Description: Sealing cracks and openings can help prevent beetle entry.
Image Citation: M. Potter, University of KY
Image Citation: M. Potter, University of KY

18. Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org
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
Talking Points:
Common inhabitants of 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, and it is difficult to completely eliminate them from unfinished basements and similar locations without consulting a professional pest control service, but their numbers can be reduced by sealing cracks and crevices and by reducing moisture.
Image Description: Camel Cricket
Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

19. 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
Talking Points:
While the houseflies and mosquitoes that occasionally wander indoors are beyond the control of a homeowner (other than keeping doors and screens closed, there isn’t much you can do about houseflies and mosquitoes), there are a few other types of flies that are able to establish breeding populations indoors and which can be eliminated. Pomace flies, moth flies, and fungus gnats all breed in damp organic material and are very common inside homes.
If you see lots of very small dark colored flies inside a home, it is probably one of those three types. They are all harmless to people, and they can all be controlled by finding and eliminating their breeding sites.
Pomace flies, often called “fruit flies,” resemble small houseflies, and they often breed in ripe fruit that has been left in garbage cans or on countertops. Removing the fruit will quickly eliminate the problem.
Moth flies, also called “drain flies,” resemble tiny moths. They often breed inside clumps of wet hair and other organic materials that are trapped inside drains. These can usually be eliminated with the same methods used by homeowners and plumbers to unclog drains.
Fungus gnats are the smallest of the indoor flies. They resembles tiny black or gray mosquitoes, although they cannot bite people. Fungus gnats often breed in the damp soil of house plants.
Fruit Bowl Image Citation: 2013 Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft Clipart Online)
Image Citation: 2013 Microsoft Corporation

20. 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.
Talking Points:
Silverfish are not really fish. They are insects. With their silvery scales and quick, fluid movements, they look less like bugs and more like marine dwellers.
They feed on some unusual items, such as wallpaper paste, book-bindings, and other glue- or starch-like materials. They will also feed on dried foods (just like the pantry pests mentioned previously).
Sometimes, they don’t eat anything: a silverfish can survive without any food for months at a time.
Silverfish are not harmful to humans
Image Description: Adult Silverfish
Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org
Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative
Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

21. 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.
Talking Points:
They 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, and silverfish numbers can be reduced by following the general pest-control guidelines (sanitation and moisture-control, especially) discussed later in the presentation.
Image Description: Adult Silverfish
Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org
Image Citation: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative
Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

22. Spiders Grass Spider Cellar Spider
Non-dangerous spiders are very common in homes (grass spiders, wolf spiders, cellar spiders, and house spiders)
Talking Points:
Kentucky is home to hundreds of species of spiders. Wolf spiders, grass spiders, cellar spiders, and house spiders are among the types that are most commonly encountered in homes. None of these are dangerous.
Wolf spiders, grass spiders, cellar spiders, and house spiders will make their way into almost every home in Kentucky every year. None of these spiders are dangerous, and control is not necessary. In fact, these spiders can help to eliminate other pests, such as cockroaches, ants, and flies. If control is desired, though, many spiders can be eliminated by sealing cracks, crevices, and other entry points into the home. Mesh can be installed over vents, for instance. A spider population can also be greatly reduced by vacuuming the webs: look for cellar spider and house spider webs in the upper corners of rooms.
Image Citation: B. Newton, University of KY
Grass Spider
Cellar Spider
Image Citation: B. Newton, University of KY

23. 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
Talking Points:
Only two species—the black widow and the brown recluse—can deliver a potentially dangerous bite. Both species are secretive and reclusive, and neither is commonly encountered in household living spaces. And although their bites are dangerous, the black widow and brown recluse probably don’t cause many bites in Kentucky. Still, both species occur in our state, so it can be useful to know how to identify them.
The black widow is very easy to identify. It is a medium-sized spider with a large abdomen and glossy-black coloration. No other common spider in our area shares this glossy-black color—like black metal or black automobile paint. Sometimes, red markings can be seen as well (especially on the spider’s belly), but the glossy-black color is the most important feature.
Black widows are very common in Kentucky, but they are usually found outdoors.
The black of a black widow is very serious. The venom attacks the nervous system, and the victim experiences a variety of symptoms (pain, rigidity, difficulty breathing) almost immediately. Rarely, the bite is fatal. Victims should be taken to the hospital right away.
Bites are very rare, though. Although black widows are common, they almost never leave their small webs (their webs are usually about the size of a grapefruit), and they cannot run or even crawl very well if they are outside of their web. They never roam the insides of homes or get into beds, and, unlike some types of orb-weaver spider, they never build webs at face-height. Bites typically occur when people accidently touch a black widow inside its web. If care is taken when picking up rocks or firewood, and when reaching into dark spaces, black widow bites are easy to avoid.
If black widows are suspected, the best plan is to contact a local pest control professional. They can positively identify the spider and develop a control plan.
Image Description: Adult Female Black Widow Spider
Image Citation: James O. Howell, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

24. Image Citation: Eddie McGriff, 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
Talking Points:
Brown recluses are also associated with dark, hidden spaces, but they are otherwise very different from black widows.
Unlike widows, recluses are very difficult to identify, even for experts. They look like many other brown spiders, like grass spiders and funnel-weaver spiders. Brown recluses are medium-sized brown spiders with long, dark brown legs and a tan abdomen. They have a distinctive “fiddle” shape on their heads, but the marking is difficult to see without a microscope. They are also distinguished by their eyes: most spiders have eight eyes, but recluses have only six. Again, this feature cannot be seen without a microscope.
The bite of a brown recluse is also different from a black widow. Instead of a nerve toxin, recluse venom causes a variety of localized and systematic symptoms, the most notorious of which are large ulcerated wounds that sometimes develop a few days after the bite. Anecdotally, these wounds are sometimes categorized as “flesh eating,” but brown recluse wounds typically do not become very large unless accompanied by bacterial infection—a condition which can complicate any scratch or cut, not just a brown recluse bite.
Brown recluses are more common in the western part of Kentucky, but they have been found in most counties. If you think you see a brown recluse in your home, take a moment to consider its behavior. Is it running across the kitchen floor during the daytime? If so, it is probably not a brown recluse, but a harmless wolf spider or grass spider. Brown recluses are truly reclusive, and tend to roam only at night, and even then tend to crawl next to walls or behind furniture, or inside wall voids, crawlspaces, attics, or other places that are seldom visited by humans.
If you suspect brown recluses, contact a professional pest control company for confirmation. Or, you can buy a “glue board” (available at most farm-supply stores) and place it in an area (preferably in a corner, right against the wall) where you have seen spiders. If spiders get trapped in the glue, bring the board to your county extension office for identification.
If brown recluses are suspected, the best plan is to contact a local pest control professional. They can positively identify the spider and develop a control plan.
Image Description: Adult Brown Recluse Spider
Image Citation: Eddie McGriff, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Image Citation: Eddie McGriff, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

25. 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.
Talking Points:
Centipedes and millipedes are not insects, but they are closely related to insects.
Both centipedes and millipedes are long-bodied with dozens of legs, and so they look very similar, but their behavior is very different.
Centipedes are fast-moving predators that feed on small insects, while millipedes are slow-moving scavengers that feed on bits of dead plant material and other scraps.
Both can be very common inside homes; neither is cause for concern.
Image (Left) Description: House Centipede
Image (Left) Citation: Gary Alpert, Harvard University, Bugwood.org
Image (Right) Description: Millipede
Image (Right) Citation: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
House Centipede Image Citation: Gary Alpert,
Harvard University, Bugwood.org
Millipede Image Citation: Whitney Cranshaw,
Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

26. 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.
Talking Points:
The centipede that is most commonly seen inside homes is the House Centipede. This strange looking creature 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.
Image Description: House Centipede
Image Citation: Gary Alpert, Harvard University, Bugwood.org
House Centipede Image Citation: Gary Alpert,
Harvard University, Bugwood.org

27. 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.
Talking Points:
The small black millipedes that sometimes invade homes are usually seen in the fall and spring, and sometimes in large numbers. These creatures are simply looking for a place to spend the winter, and they are harmless, although they will sometimes scavenge for food in places that are close to the floor, like houseplants, spilled food, and even litter boxes. They do not harm people or pets, and they rarely cause significant damage to food or other possessions.
Image (Right) Description: Millipede
Image (Right) Citation: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
Millipede Image Citation: Whitney Cranshaw,
Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

28. 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
Talking Points:
Sanitation: Remove spilled foods and dispose of garbage quickly, and do not allow it to accumulate in indoor wastebaskets or in garages or other indoor spaces. Look for spilled food behind stoves, underneath refrigerators, and in other spaces inside kitchens. Do not allow clothing or paper products to pile up inside closets or garages. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture frequently, especially if there are indoor pets. Do not bring used clothing or furniture into homes unless they are cleaned thoroughly.
Cracks and Crevices: Seal entry points into a home, including vents and cracks underneath doors. Many pest control companies will search out and seal cracks and crevices as a service.
Doors and Windows: Make sure that the family knows to keep doors and windows closed. Screen covers work well to keep flying insects out, but only when they are undamaged and properly closed.
Water: Many pests thrive in wet conditions. Eliminate them by fixing leaky faucets and inspecting for underground waterline breaks or leaks inside walls or floorboards. Watch for water damaged wood in bathrooms and kitchens. Make sure that shingles, flashing, and other roof structures are undamaged and working properly. Do not allow piles of wet clothing or paper products to accumulate.

29. 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.
Talking Points:
Insect Identification Service: Discuss text on slide.

30. For additional information visit Kentucky ENTfacts:
Female Jumping Spider
Image Citation: B. Newton, University of KY
Talking Points: The Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky maintains an ever-changing library of over 200 factsheets that cover common Kentucky insect pests. These ENTfacts are divided by topic, and you can find the ones devoted to “Home and Health” pests by visiting the website listed on the slide. If you do not have a computer to access these files, your County Extension office can print a free copy for you.
Evaluation options:
Give each participant an evaluation form to complete and turn in.
Give each participant an envelope. Have participants write their name and mailing address on the envelope. In 6 months, send a follow-up evaluation (and self-addressed envelope) to participants using the addressed envelope. Ask participants to complete the follow-up evaluation and mail back to you. (Option: An online version of the follow-up evaluation is available at You can send this link to participants via and ask them to complete online).
Image Description: Female Jumping Spider
Image Citation: B. Newton, University of KY
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