Success StoryDrain Flies and Upper Administration



Drain Flies and Upper Administration

Author: Zachary DeVries

Planning Unit: Entomology

Major Program: Integrated Pest Management

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Often times urban pests are thought to only affect those with dirty homes or of lower socio-economic status, but the truth is indoor pests can affect anyone!  This was true on a recent case I handled and successfully solved involving a member of the upper administration (Vice-President) at a neighboring institution in Ohio.  This individual reached out to me regarding a problem with drain flies in his home that had gone unsolved for several months.  After speaking with him and reviewing the information, I devised a protocol to identify where the pests were, and provided instructions on how to eliminate them once found.  Less than a month later, he reached out to me to let me know the problem had been solved and the problem/source (water collecting/poor drainage) had been fixed.  While this case on its own is part of my daily job, the fact that this individual would reach out to the University of Kentucky rather than extension personnel in their own state is a testament to the strength of our department.  This not only reflects well on the University of Kentucky, but highlights our reputation as one of the premier entomological program in the country, where people can turn to solve their insect-related problems.






Stories by Zachary DeVries


52nd Annual UK Pest control Short Course

about 11 months ago by Zachary DeVries

In November we hosted the 52nd annual University of Kentucky Pets Control Short Course. This 3-day p... Read More


Rapid Response to a Global Bed Bug Problem

about 11 months ago by Zachary DeVries

During Paris fashion week (one of the major annual fashion events in the world), a news story broke ... Read More


Stories by Entomology


Providing Science base Information to Banana Growers of the Dominican Republic on an New Invasive Pest in the Caribbean Region

Providing Science base Information to Banana Growers of the Dominican Republic on an New Invasive Pest in the Caribbean Region

about 10 months ago by Raul Villanueva

The Dominican Republic was the first producer of organic bananas during past years but in 2023 it wa... Read More


Building the Impact of the Kentucky Crop Health Conference 2nd year: 2024

about 3 months ago by Raul Villanueva

The University of Kentucky Grain Crops Integrated Pest Management group continued to build on the su... Read More