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 have paused monitoring for the winter months and these data represented on the map are from this fall. Check back in the spring!

Pest Alerts

Dr. Cato was recently recognized by Vegetable and Fruit Growers News with a 40 Under 40 Award by panel of industry experts! Congratulations Aaron!

Pumpkin growers and agents might have had a bad year for melonworm in pumpkin patches across the state. We recommend you have a diamide insecticide on hand (Besiege, Coragen, or Shenzi) and apply as soon as you find any melonworm in your pumpkins next year. Visit our recent blog post for more information about melonworm.

Neopestalotiopsis in strawberries, or "Neo-P" for short is an emerging disease that impacts strawberry production. It has been observed in Arkansas again in 2024. Learn more about this disease and recommendations going into the 2024-2025 strawberry season.

On 7/11/2024 we found broad mite damage to primocanes in multiple cultivars in commercial blackberries. We are still finding broad mites on blackberries as of late August. Not sure how to monitor for broad mite? What does damage look like? Visit our factsheet Managing Broad Mite in Commercial Blackberry Production.

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

The GDD calendar will start over in early 2025. Data here is from 2024: 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). All locations are over 1000 GDD accumulation for SVB. We have stopped tracking GDD for SVB but can be requested if needed. If you're growing squash, now is a good time to scout for SVB eggs on undersides of stems, leaf stalks, and near the flowers. You may see adult moths flying around as well. For more information, visit our Managing Squash Vine Borer in Arkansas Factsheet.