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 Melonworm (Diaphania hyalinata) and the larger sized dots on the map currently represent areas we have detected Melonworm in the state.

Pest Alerts

Pumpkin growers and agents should be scouting their pumpkin patches for melonworm, as we're still finding larvae and adult moths on planted pumpkins in SW and NW Arkansas. 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. Visit our recent blog post for more information about melonworm.
Hurricane Beryl may have passed but we are likely to observe some lingering impacts from the pests it could have brought along with it. In Arkansas and other areas of the Mid-South we consistently see pumpkins and other late-summer cucurbit crops more seriously impacted by downy mildew and melonworm on years where tropical systems track through our area. These are problems that we expect every year, but the timing and degree of severity of these "migratory" pests can differ significantly. Growers can avoid serious impacts from both of these issues with increased scouting efforts and quick responses once infestations are discovered.
- - See below more info on management of downy mildew and melonworm on cucurbits:
  - Melonworm https://shorturl.at/nIuUZ
  - Cucurbit Downy Mildew https://shorturl.at/H0srx
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)

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.