The Alabama Cooperative Extension System provides research-based information for pest control, gardening, agriculture, forestry, lawns, wildlife, and Integrated Pest Management across Alabama.
Website: aces.edu
About the Alabama Cooperative Extension System
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), operated through Auburn University and Alabama A&M University, serves as Alabama’s primary source of research-based agricultural, environmental, horticultural, and community education. With offices located in all 67 Alabama counties, ACES connects residents, farmers, homeowners, businesses, and land managers with the expertise of university researchers and extension specialists.
For more than a century, ACES has provided practical, science-based information to help Alabamians solve challenges related to agriculture, natural resources, pest management, family health, youth development, and environmental stewardship. Today, it remains one of the most respected cooperative extension networks in the southeastern United States.
Core Services Offered by ACES
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System provides a broad range of educational and technical services designed to support both rural and urban communities throughout the state.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
ACES supports row crop producers, livestock operations, horticultural businesses, timber managers, and specialty crop growers through research-backed recommendations and educational programs. Services include:
- Crop production guidance
- Livestock management resources
- Soil health and fertility programs
- Irrigation and water management
- Market development assistance
- Sustainable farming practices
Family and Consumer Sciences
The Family and Consumer Sciences division helps Alabama families improve quality of life through programs focused on:
- Nutrition and healthy living
- Food safety education
- Family financial literacy
- Consumer education
- 4-H youth development programs
Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resources
Alabama’s extensive forest resources make forestry education a major component of ACES operations. Extension specialists provide assistance with:
- Sustainable timber harvesting
- Forest health monitoring
- Wildlife habitat management
- Conservation planning
- Land stewardship practices
Pest Management and Diagnostic Services
Homeowners, landscapers, municipalities, and agricultural producers can access integrated pest management (IPM) resources through ACES. The organization also operates the Alabama Diagnostic Laboratory System, which provides:
- Plant disease diagnosis
- Pest identification services
- Soil testing
- Crop health evaluations
- Laboratory support for growers and homeowners
Major Pest Challenges in Alabama
Alabama’s warm, humid climate and long growing season create ideal conditions for many pest species. As a result, pest management remains one of the most important services offered by ACES. Extension specialists provide ongoing monitoring, research, and educational materials to address emerging and established pest threats throughout the state.
Fire Ants
Red Imported Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta) are among the most widespread and economically damaging pests in Alabama. First introduced through the Port of Mobile during the 1930s, fire ants now occur throughout nearly every county in the state.
These ants threaten livestock, wildlife, agricultural operations, and homeowners. ACES provides extensive guidance on:
- Broadcast bait applications
- Mound treatment strategies
- Integrated fire ant management programs
- Emerging biological control methods
Termites
Termites represent one of Alabama’s most destructive structural pest groups. Two species are especially important:
- Eastern Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes)
- Formosan Subterranean Termite (Coptotermes formosanus)
The Formosan termite is particularly problematic in southern and coastal portions of Alabama due to its aggressive colony growth and ability to cause extensive structural damage. ACES provides homeowners with inspection guidance, prevention strategies, and treatment recommendations.
Agricultural Crop Pests
Alabama farmers face pressure from numerous crop pests throughout the growing season. Important agricultural pests include:
- Kudzu Bugs (Megacopta cribraria)
- Soybean Aphids
- Stink Bugs
- Bollworms
- Thrips
- Plant Bugs
ACES publishes annual pest management recommendations for major Alabama commodities including cotton, corn, peanuts, soybeans, and vegetables.
Mosquitoes and Ticks
Mosquito-borne diseases remain an ongoing public health concern across Alabama. The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is widespread statewide, while Aedes aegypti populations occur in portions of southern Alabama.
Extension specialists provide educational materials on:
- Source reduction
- Mosquito habitat elimination
- Personal protection strategies
- Community vector management
Ticks, including the lone star tick and American dog tick, also present significant health risks. ACES resources help residents identify ticks, prevent bites, and reduce exposure to tick-borne illnesses.
Publications and Educational Resources
ACES publishes an extensive collection of peer-reviewed educational materials covering pest management, agriculture, gardening, forestry, and environmental stewardship.
Popular Resources Include:
- Alabama Pest Management Handbook
- Crop Production Guides
- Turfgrass Pest Management Publications
- Home Garden Pest Identification Guides
- Structural Pest Management Resources
- Invasive Species Alerts
Many publications are available online and are regularly updated to reflect the latest research findings and pest management recommendations. County extension agents also serve as local experts who can assist residents with pest identification and management decisions.
Online Resources and Pest Alerts
Through the ACES website, Alabama residents can access:
- Current pest alerts
- Weather-based pest risk forecasts
- Digital publications
- Educational videos
- Diagnostic laboratory information
- Invasive species updates
ACES also works closely with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries to monitor invasive species and emerging pest threats affecting agriculture, forests, landscapes, and urban environments.
Contact Alabama Cooperative Extension
Whether you need help identifying an insect, diagnosing a plant disease, managing a lawn problem, or improving agricultural productivity, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System offers access to university-based expertise and practical solutions.
Residents can contact their local county extension office or visit the ACES website to access research-based resources, educational publications, diagnostic services, and professional guidance tailored to Alabama’s unique growing conditions.
Official Website
Pest Control and IPM Help in Alabama
Alabama residents can use Extension resources to identify household pests, crop insects, turf problems, invasive species, and plant diseases common in the Southeast.