Pests and pest control in Fayetteville, AR

Pests to know in Fayetteville

• Subterranean termites
• Emerald Ash Borer
• Japanese Beetle

Why each one matters here is cited in the sections below.

Termites in Fayetteville

Three subterranean termite species occur in Arkansas. The eastern subterranean termite is the most common, and the dark southern subterranean termite is also found statewide.^[1]

Invasive species reported here

• Fayetteville's Urban Forestry Division has an Emerald Ash Borer Plan, noting the invasive beetle has already been detected in surrounding counties in Arkansas and Oklahoma.^[4]
• A UA Extension fact sheet maps Washington County as one of three Arkansas counties infested with Japanese beetles, along with Benton and Pulaski.^[5]

Climate

Central Fayetteville (ZIP 72701) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 7a, where the average coldest winter night is 0 to 5°F.^[9]

Public agencies that handle pests

• The Arkansas Department of Health says Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the most common tick-borne disease in Arkansas.^[6]
• According to the Arkansas Department of Health, West Nile virus was first recognized in Arkansas in 2002.^[7]

Local rules and responsibilities

• Fayetteville Code Compliance may send a mowing notice when grass or weeds reach 8 inches on an occupied lot or 18 inches on a vacant lot; ignored notices are corrected at the owner's expense.^[3]
• Fayetteville can treat dilapidated buildings as dangerous structures; the city notes these often sit vacant and become home to rodents and snakes.^[3]

Hiring a licensed company

• Arkansas pest control businesses licensed for termite and structural work (Classification 1) or household pest and rodent control (Classification 2) must carry a bond and insurance.^[2]
• Homeowners worried about a termite treatment can ask the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Pest Control Program for an inspection at no cost.^[2]

Licensing agency: Arkansas State Plant Board — Pesticide Division^[10].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

The Washington County Extension office serves Fayetteville and offers free research-based help that includes insecticide recommendations.^[8]

Through the year

Spring

In Arkansas, winged termite swarmers can emerge in large numbers during daylight from March through May, usually after a rain.^[1]

Summer

Adult Japanese beetles emerge from the pupal case from late June through July, per UA Extension.^[5]

Sources

1. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, “Subterranean Termite Identification and Biology (FSA7061).” www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/PDF/FSA-7061.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
2. Arkansas Department of Agriculture, “Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Pest Control Program.” media.ark.org/agri/Pest-Control-What-We-Do-1-16-2026.2.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
3. City of Fayetteville, Arkansas, “Code Compliance Program.” www.fayetteville-ar.gov/603/Code-Compliance (accessed 2026-10-06)
4. City of Fayetteville, Arkansas, “Urban Forestry.” www.fayetteville-ar.gov/339/Urban-Forestry (accessed 2026-10-06)
5. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, “Common Questions About Japanese Beetles in Arkansas (FSA-7062).” www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/PDF/FSA-7062.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
6. Arkansas Department of Health, “Tickborne Diseases in Arkansas.” healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/diseases-conditions/diseases-from-animals-insects/tickborne-disease/tickborne-diseases-in-arkansas/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
7. Arkansas Department of Health, “West Nile Virus.” healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/west-nile-virus (accessed 2026-10-06)
8. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, “Washington County Office, Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.” www.uaex.uada.edu/counties/washington/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
9. USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 72701 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/72701.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
10. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)