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

Dr. Aaron Cato was recently recognized by Vegetable and Fruit Growers News with a 40 Under 40 Award by panel of industry experts.

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. Learn more about this disease and recommendations..

Growing Degree Day Models

GDDs as of 2/5/2025 (Base 50°F, beginning Jan. 1)

Kibler — 53
Clarksville — 40
Hope — 80
Little Rock — 66
Fayetteville — 45
Jonesboro — 30

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 2/5/2025 (Base 51°F, Upper 90°F - beginning Jan. 1)

Kibler — 46
Clarksville —35
Hope — 71
Little Rock — 58
Fayetteville — 38
Jonesboro — 26

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. By April 1st, after the biofix, use GDD model base 51 to predict spray periods (hatch of crawlers) at 300-450 GDD.