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Arkansas Invasive Pests

Pests are not just animals or insects. Invasive pests also include diseases and plants. Some pests have the potential to invade our forests and increase the cost of the forest products we buy. 

Invasive pests cost the U.S. an estimated $130 billion in damage and prevention costs every year.  

Examples of destructive invasive pests already in Arkansas include the red imported fire ant, kudzu, and feral hogs.  Please explore the information below to find out how you can help stop the spread of invasive animals, diseases, insects, and plants.

Agriculture Pest Survey Program with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture

REPORT SUSPECT INVASIVES. Send a photo to caps@agriculture.arkansas.gov or call (501) 225-1598.

Feral hog

Invasive Animals

Invasive vertebrate species are on the move across the U.S. and in Arkansas. See some that have the potential to invade our forests and rivers which threaten our native species.

Image:  Clint Turnage, USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services

View list of invasive vertebrate pests
Thousand-cankers Disease

Invasive Plant Diseases

Almost everyone can name at least one disease that has impacted the forests of Arkansas.  Unfortunately, additional diseases are on the way.

Image:  Ned Tisserat, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

See all invasive diseases

Emerald Ash Borer

Invasive Insects

Many non-native insects have been brought to Arkansas accidentally.  Some of these have become invasive pests that devastate our natural environments and destroy our crops.

Image:  Debbie Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Learn about invasive insects in Arkansas

Cogongrass

Invasive Plants

Many non-native plants have been brought to Arkansas.  An estimated 1/10th of 1 percent of these plants become invasive pests and thus cause a myriad of problems.

Image:  David Teem, Auburn University, Bugwood.org

See a list of invasive plants threatening Arkansas

Invasive Pest Publications

Horticultural invasive pests

Agricultural invasive pests

Forest invasive pests

Additional Resources

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