Pests to know in Little Rock
Termites in Little Rock
- 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.[2]
- Arkansas joined the North American Termite Survey in 2025, with extension agents trapping swarmers in Delta and Louisiana-border counties to detect invasive Formosan subterranean termites.[3]
Invasive species reported here
Red imported fire ants were first found in Arkansas in 1958 in Union County and now occur throughout southern Arkansas; a quarantine aims to stop their spread north.[7]
Pests local experts flag
The lone star tick, which spreads ehrlichiosis, is the most abundant tick found in Arkansas, according to UA extension entomologists.[6]
Climate
Central Little Rock (ZIP 72201) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8a, where the average coldest winter night is 10 to 15°F.[9]
Public agencies that handle pests
- The Arkansas Department of Health reports that West Nile virus was first recognized in Arkansas in 2002.[4]
- The Arkansas Department of Health names Rocky Mountain spotted fever as the most common tick-borne disease in Arkansas.[5]
- Ehrlichiosis was first recognized in 1986 from a patient infected at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas; Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas account for 35% of reported cases.[5]
Hiring a licensed company
- Arkansas requires anyone doing pest control for pay to hold a license or certificate from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture under the Arkansas Pest Control Law, Act 488 of 1975.[1]
- Arkansas homeowners treating their own property don't need a pest control license unless they use restricted use pesticides.[1]
Free local help
At least 55 mosquito species are known in Arkansas, though many are not significant pests of people, says the UA Division of Agriculture.[8]
Through the year
Sources
- 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)
- University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, “Subterranean Termite Identification and Biology (FSA7061).” www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/pest-management/docs/insects_urban_subterraneantermites.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, “Extension entomologist, agents to participate in invasive termite study.” uaex.uada.edu/media-resources/news/2025/march/03-31-2025-Ark-termite-study.aspx (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Arkansas Department of Health, “West Nile Virus.” healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/west-nile-virus (accessed 2026-10-06)
- 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)
- University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, “Tick-Borne Diseases in Arkansas (FSA7047).” www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/pest-management/docs/insects_urban_tickborne.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, “Invasive Urban Pests of Concern in Arkansas: Insects and Diseases.” www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/pest-management/docs/invasive_urban_pests.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, “Developing a Community Mosquito Abatement Program (FSA7060).” www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/pest-management/docs/insects_urban_mosquitoes.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 72201 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/72201.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)