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 fall 2024. Check back in the spring!

Pest Alerts

Are you a peach or plum grower? By March 15, place two San Jose scale (SJS) pheromone traps in orchard interior tops of trees with known SJS infestation and record the first date in early to mid-April when you consistently catch male scales on the traps. Crawler activity will be approximately 600 GDD (Growing Degree Days) after the first male captures. We are also using a GDD model (see below) starting Feb. 1st to help determine crawler activity. Stay tuned for more San Jose Scale information around the state.

With warm weather to start off the month of March in parts of the state, now would be a good time to think about the deployment of plum curculio traps to detect when adults move back into orchards from overwintering sites in adjacent woods. More information can be found below in the Key Pests dropdowns.

Take a look back at the 2024 Tomato Fruitworm populations in Arkansas' specialty crops from the data we received from agents and specialists. Plans are being made for 2025 monitoring efforts.

A GIF image showing weekly datapoints of Tomato Fruitworm moths on a map of Arkansas

Neopestalotiopsis in strawberries, or "Neo-P" for short, is an emerging disease that impacts strawberry production. It was observed in Arkansas in 2024. Watch our most recent video update below or visit our blog to learn more about this disease and recommendations..

Growing Degree Day Models

GDDs as of 3/13/2025 (Base 50°F, beginning Jan. 1)

Kibler — 237
Clarksville — 193
Hope — 269
Little Rock — 236
Fayetteville — 200
Jonesboro — 158

We expect to see adult SVB moths at 750-1000 GDD (Base 50°F). For more information, visit our Managing Squash Vine Borer in Arkansas Factsheet.

GDDs as of 3/13/2025 (Base 51°F, Upper 90°F - beginning Feb. 1)

Kibler — 196
Clarksville —164
Hope — 221
Little Rock — 182
Fayetteville — 164
Jonesboro — 128

Monitor for San Jose scale during the dormant period by checking prunings to make sure scale hasn't developed in tree tops. Also check fruit at harvest for the presence of scale. By March 15th, place 2-3 traps in orchard interior in tops of trees known to have a live SJS (San Jose Scale) infestation. Biofix is the first date that male scales are caught in traps. Crawlers could emerge anywhere from 650-900 GDD after the Feb. 1st start date of the model. The GDD model is still being investigated here in Arkansas.