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Extension Entomology

Month: November 2025

Video: Invasive insects coming to Kansas

Posted on by Department of Entomology

K-State Research and Extension news service

In this video, K-State Research and Extension veterinary entomologist Cassandra Olds details a pair of invasive insects that could threaten Kansas livestock herds: the Asian longhorn tick and the New World screwworm fly.

The Asian longhorn tick was recently detected in Kansas. The species reproduces without mating, allowing a single tick to establish a population.

The New Word screwworm fly has been moving steadily northward, but has not yet reached Kansas. The fly spreads easily as adult insects travel or as infested animals are relocated.

“How did they get here in the first place?” Olds asks. “Sometimes, we’re at fault, sometimes it’s just the way things are. The Asian longhorn tick probably came across on infested animals or wildlife. Sometimes our dogs go running through fields and they pick up ticks and bring them home.”

View the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XEZbMmN3DQ

Video by:
Dan Donnert, 785-532-5804, ddonnert@ksu.edu

For more information:
Cassandra Olds, colds@ksu.edu

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K-State entomologist shares tips for keeping winter pests out of homes, yards

Posted on by Department of Entomology
Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles inside of a home near a door.

By Madeline Drake, K-State Extension news service. 

MANHATTAN, Kan. – With cooler temperatures pushing fall pests toward homes, K-State horticultural entomologist Raymond Cloyd says a few simple sanitation steps can stop nuisance insects before they settle in.

“As the temperature gets cooler, we have a series of insects and mite pests that are going to decide to come into the house and overwinter,” Cloyd said, adding, however, that they are more of a nuisance than they are a danger.”

Insects such as the Asian lady beetle, squash bug, box elder bug or elm leaf beetle often make their way indoors or into yards to overwinter.

“The first thing you should do is caulk any cracks and crevices on the south side of the foundation,” Cloyd said. “You can spray a pyrethroid insecticide on the foundation to repel them, or once they’re in you can vacuum them up and put them back outside. I wouldn’t recommend using insecticides inside your home.”

Cloyd also recommends cleaning the home yard, which not only protects the home now, but also the yard in the spring.

“Sanitation is always the first line of defense in terms of plant protection,” Cloyd said. “Remove plant debris, large leaves and mulch to prevent these insects from staying there over the winter.”

Mowing or shredding the large leaves and using them in compost will prevent insects from being able to use them as shelter.

Cloyd said many insects that make their way inside will likely die off as the indoor heater dries them out. He said it’s important to vacuum the dead insects.

“Really make sure to vacuum up dead bugs as they can stimulate asthma if left in the home,” Cloyd said.

This time of year, it is also a good idea to plan a pest management strategy for next year, according to Cloyd.

“This is always a time of year to ask, ‘why did I have a pest, and what can I do next year to prevent it?’” he said. “You can’t get rid of them completely, but by sanitizing you can lessen the nuisance.”

More information on home and yard management is available at local extension offices in Kansas.

More information: Raymond Cloyd, 785-532-4750, rcloyd@ksu.edu

Insects Overwintering in Kansas homes

Posted on by Department of Entomology

Listen to Episode 2058 of Agriculture Today where K-State crop entomologist Jeff Whitworth mentions the armyworms should be done for the winter and how multi-colored Asian lady beetles, ground beetles and attic flies can overwinter in homes.

Agriculture Today is a daily program hosted by K‑State Research and Extension and distributed to radio stations throughout the state and region. K-State agricultural specialists and other experts examine agricultural issues facing Kansas and the nation.

For more information: Jeff Whitworth, 785-565-2371, jwhitwor@ksu.edu

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