About UMass Extension
The UMass Extension provides research-based education and outreach programs that support agriculture, horticulture, landscaping, turfgrass management, forestry, environmental stewardship, and community development throughout Massachusetts. As the outreach arm of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Extension connects residents, farmers, landscapers, arborists, businesses, and municipalities with practical solutions backed by scientific research.
Official Website
https://ag.umass.edu/umass-extension
Massachusetts is home to diverse landscapes that include coastal regions, forests, urban centers, agricultural valleys, suburban communities, and historic towns. UMass Extension develops programs tailored to the unique environmental and agricultural challenges found throughout New England.
Core Services Offered
UMass Extension provides educational resources and technical assistance across a wide range of disciplines that support economic development, environmental sustainability, and healthy communities.
Agriculture and Crop Production
Massachusetts agriculture includes vegetables, fruits, nursery crops, greenhouse production, cranberries, dairy operations, and specialty farms. Extension specialists help producers improve productivity and sustainability.
- Crop production management
- Integrated pest management
- Soil health programs
- Nutrient management planning
- Greenhouse production support
- Agricultural business development
Extension programs assist both commercial growers and small-scale agricultural operations throughout the Commonwealth.
Home Gardening and Horticulture
Homeowners and gardening enthusiasts throughout Massachusetts rely on UMass Extension resources for science-based gardening and landscape management information.
- Vegetable gardening
- Fruit production
- Landscape maintenance
- Tree and shrub care
- Garden pest identification
- Plant disease management
Landscape, Arboriculture, and Green Industry Programs
Massachusetts has a large landscaping and arboriculture industry that benefits from Extension education and technical support.
- Tree care education
- Landscape pest management
- Plant health diagnostics
- Integrated landscape management
- Urban forestry programs
- Professional certification support
Turfgrass Management
UMass Extension is nationally recognized for its turfgrass research and education programs.
- Sports turf management
- Golf course turf programs
- Lawn care education
- Turfgrass pest management
- Soil testing resources
- Sustainable turf practices
Forestry and Natural Resources
Massachusetts forests provide environmental, recreational, and economic benefits throughout the state.
- Forest stewardship
- Tree health monitoring
- Wildlife habitat management
- Watershed protection
- Invasive species management
- Natural resource conservation
Environmental Stewardship Programs
UMass Extension helps communities address environmental challenges through research-based education and outreach.
- Stormwater management
- Water quality protection
- Pollinator conservation
- Climate resilience education
- Sustainable landscaping
- Environmental planning
Pest Pressures and Challenges in Massachusetts
Massachusetts experiences a variety of pest challenges affecting public health, agriculture, forests, landscapes, and residential properties. The state’s climate and diverse ecosystems support numerous insect pests, plant diseases, and invasive species.
Ticks
Ticks are among the most significant public health concerns in Massachusetts. Tick populations have expanded across much of New England and are associated with several diseases.
Common tick species include:
- Blacklegged Ticks (Deer Ticks)
- American Dog Ticks
- Lone Star Ticks
- Brown Dog Ticks
UMass Extension provides educational resources on tick identification, habitat management, personal protection, and disease prevention strategies.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are common throughout Massachusetts, particularly during the warmer months and in areas near wetlands and standing water.
Extension programs provide information on:
- Mosquito biology
- Breeding habitat reduction
- Integrated mosquito management
- Personal protection measures
- Community mosquito control efforts
Mosquito management remains important due to concerns about mosquito-borne diseases and nuisance populations.
Tree and Forest Pests
Massachusetts forests and urban trees face threats from both native and invasive insect species.
Important tree pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Spongy Moths
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgids
- Winter Moths
- Asian Longhorned Beetles
- Bark Beetles
Extension forestry specialists help landowners, municipalities, and arborists monitor tree health and respond to pest outbreaks.
Garden and Landscape Pests
Home gardens and ornamental landscapes encounter numerous insect pests and plant diseases throughout the growing season.
Common garden pests include:
- Aphids
- Japanese Beetles
- Flea Beetles
- Cabbage Worms
- Leafminers
- Spider Mites
Extension specialists provide practical recommendations that emphasize sustainable and environmentally responsible management strategies.
Turfgrass Pests
Turfgrass management is a major focus area for UMass Extension due to the importance of lawns, parks, athletic fields, and golf courses throughout the state.
Common turfgrass pests include:
- White Grubs
- Chinch Bugs
- Sod Webworms
- Billbugs
- Armyworms
Extension recommendations focus on maintaining healthy turf while minimizing unnecessary pesticide use.
Household and Structural Pests
Massachusetts homeowners frequently encounter pests that invade structures and create nuisance or damage concerns.
Common household pests include:
- Ants
- Termites
- Cockroaches
- Bed Bugs
- Rodents
- Spiders
Extension publications emphasize prevention, exclusion, sanitation, and integrated pest management approaches.
Invasive Species
Massachusetts continues to face significant challenges from invasive insects that threaten forests, landscapes, and agricultural production.
Notable invasive pests include:
- Spotted Lanternflies
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Asian Longhorned Beetles
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgids
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
Extension personnel work with state and federal agencies to support monitoring, detection, and public education efforts.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) serves as a foundation for UMass Extension pest management education programs.
IPM strategies emphasize:
- Accurate pest identification
- Pest monitoring and scouting
- Preventive cultural practices
- Biological control methods
- Habitat modification
- Responsible pesticide use
These practices help reduce pest populations while protecting pollinators, beneficial organisms, water resources, and environmental quality.
Research and Diagnostic Services
UMass Extension supports extensive research programs focused on pest management, plant health, turfgrass science, forestry, and environmental sustainability.
Research areas include:
- Crop protection
- Landscape pest management
- Turfgrass science
- Forest health monitoring
- Biological control
- Invasive species research
Extension specialists translate scientific research into practical recommendations for Massachusetts residents, businesses, and agricultural producers.
Educational Publications and Resources
UMass Extension publishes a wide variety of educational materials covering pest management, horticulture, agriculture, forestry, turfgrass management, and environmental stewardship.
Popular Resources Include:
- Pest identification guides
- Turfgrass management publications
- Garden pest fact sheets
- Tree health resources
- Landscape management guides
- Invasive species alerts
Many publications are available online and are regularly updated to reflect current research findings and emerging pest concerns.
Contact UMass Extension
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing a landscape, improving a lawn, protecting trees, maintaining a garden, or addressing environmental concerns, UMass Extension provides access to research-based information and local expertise throughout Massachusetts.
Residents can contact their local Extension office or visit the UMass Extension website to access educational publications, pest management resources, diagnostic assistance, and professional guidance.