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, Cabbage Looper, Grape Berry Moth, Spotted-Wing Drosophilla, and more with data being updated weekly.

Pest Alerts

Tomato growers and agents should be scouting their tomato fields for tomato fruitworm, as we've still finding eggs being laid on 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.
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. Not sure how to monitor for broad mite? What does damage look like? Visit our factsheet Managing Broad Mite in Commercial Blackberry Production.
We are starting to observe Grape Berry Moth in our perimeter row traps in Central Arkansas vineyards. It's time to get out and scout clusters for berry moth larvae tunneling under the berry skin. If you use pheromone traps you can move them to the vineyard interior at this time. Spray timing is important, so consult the mp144 for additional information about Grape Berry Moth.

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.