Kentucky's News & Alerts Office of the State Entomologist

Invasives are a major concern for Kentucky, nationally, and internationally! We want you to be alert to this and what you can do to prevent or mitigate the movement or introduction of an invasive!

Critical invasive species now spotted in Kentucky

Jan 3, 2024

Invasive Alert

LEXINGTON, Ky.— A pest that can disrupt the state's natural environment and inflict havoc on multiple industries has entered Kentucky. The first spotted lanternfly was discovered in Gallatin County. This invasive species could have severe repercussions for the state's economy and quality of life if not controlled. | Read |

Officials sounding alarm as invasive insect spotted near Kentucky

Oct 13, 2023

Invasive Alert

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Spotted lanternflies were first officially found in the United States back in 2014 at a Pennsylvania Landscaping facility that imported stone from overseas. Since then, the pests have made their way to multiple different major U.S. cities. “Lanternflies are a huge annoyance in the areas where they invade. Their populations get so big. They just fall out of trees, they can land on people...[Read More]

Spongy Moth Traps Have Been Deployed

Jun 8, 2022

Spongy moth, formerly known as the gypsy moth, is a pest that we don’t want to get established in Kentucky. To that end, a national effort known as Slow the Spread has been helping to monitor for and eliminate emerging… Read more ›

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Kentucky's News & Alerts Office of the State Entomologist

Critical invasive species now spotted in Kentucky

Officials sounding alarm as invasive insect spotted near Kentucky

Spongy Moth Traps Have Been Deployed

Kentucky’s Office of the State Entomologist