Insect Pest Monitoring in Arkansas

This interactive map of Arkansas shows locations of various insect trapping efforts by Extension Specialists and County Agents. When a location is clicked, the map will populate with insect trap data for that region to help indicate pest presence or absence. You can zoom in and out using the map features on the top left of the map. Additionally, click the >> arrows to access the map Legend. We monitor for Tomato Fruitworm Moth (Helicoverpa zea), Melonworm (Diaphania hyalinata), Squash Vine Borer (Melittia cucurbitae), Cabbage Looper (Trichoplusia ni) and many other pest species in fruit and vegetables every year. We are now monitoring for Tomato Fruitworm, Squash Vine Borer, and Cabbage Looper with data being updated weekly.

Pest Alerts!

New factsheets are available! Learn more about broad mite in Arkansas blackberries, building a strawberry specific sprayer, and developing a sustainable fungicide spray program to prevent fruit rot in Southeast strawberries. See the resource section below!
Many locations are at 750-1000 GDD (Base 50°F) accumulation which means you should be on the lookout for squash vine borers. If you're growing squash, now is a good time to get out and scout for SVB eggs on undersides of stems, leaf stalks, and near the flowers.
Tomato growers and agents should be scouting their tomato fields for tomato fruitworm, as we've already found eggs being laid on earlier planted tomatoes in South Arkansas. We recommend applying an insecticide for control if you find 1 tomato fruitworm egg every 10 plants on average! Click the image of the Tomato Fruitworm in the Vegetable Pest section below to view our YouTube Video about Tomato Pests.

Growing Degree Days (Base 50°F, beginning January 1)

With the recent warm weather we are starting to track GDDs for the emergence of squash vine borer. We expect to see adult SVB moths at 750-1000 GDD (Base 50°F). Some locations are nearing the 750 GDD accumulation for SVB. Click here to view our Managing Squash Vine Borer in Arkansas Factsheet!