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 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.
Arkansas blackberries and blueberries are starting to ripen and that means Spotted-Wing Drosophila (SWD). Every year growers miss the first timing window for SWD applications, which are the most important to knock down populations. Growers should begin spraying blackberries when the first fruit start to turn color (red to black), or when adult SWD are first found in traps. Often this is about 10-14 days prior to first harvest.
We have found Spotted-Wing Drosophila larvae in blackberries near Clarksville using a salt-water berry soak as described in our factsheet. This method of monitoring can help determine if control measures are being effective during harvest.
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. 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.