About the University of New Hampshire Extension
The University of New Hampshire Extension provides research-based education and outreach programs that support agriculture, forestry, natural resources, horticulture, environmental stewardship, youth development, and community improvement throughout New Hampshire. As the public outreach arm of the University of New Hampshire, Extension connects residents, farmers, foresters, gardeners, businesses, municipalities, and community organizations with practical solutions backed by scientific research.
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New Hampshire’s landscape includes forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, coastal areas, agricultural lands, and growing communities. The University of New Hampshire Extension develops programs tailored to the state’s unique environmental, agricultural, and economic needs while helping residents protect and manage natural resources responsibly.
Core Services Offered
The University of New Hampshire Extension provides educational resources and technical assistance across a wide range of disciplines that contribute to economic development, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.
Agriculture and Crop Production
New Hampshire agriculture includes dairy operations, vegetables, fruits, greenhouse production, maple syrup, nursery crops, and specialty farming enterprises. Extension specialists help producers improve productivity and sustainability.
- Crop production management
- Integrated pest management
- Soil health programs
- Nutrient management planning
- Farm business development
- Sustainable agriculture education
Extension programs support both commercial farms and small-scale agricultural operations throughout the state.
Home Gardening and Horticulture
Homeowners and gardening enthusiasts rely on UNH Extension resources for science-based guidance adapted to New England growing conditions.
- Vegetable gardening
- Fruit production
- Landscape maintenance
- Tree and shrub care
- Garden pest identification
- Plant disease management
Master Gardener Program
The New Hampshire Master Gardener Program trains volunteers who help educate residents about gardening, plant health, and environmental stewardship.
Master Gardeners assist residents with:
- Plant selection
- Pest identification
- Composting techniques
- Native plant gardening
- Pollinator conservation
- Sustainable gardening practices
Forestry and Woodland Management
Forests cover a significant portion of New Hampshire and provide important environmental, recreational, and economic benefits.
- Forest stewardship
- Tree health monitoring
- Timber management
- Wildlife habitat improvement
- Forest conservation planning
- Woodland owner education
Natural Resources and Environmental Programs
Extension specialists help communities and landowners protect New Hampshire’s natural resources.
- Watershed protection
- Water quality monitoring
- Lake management education
- Climate resilience initiatives
- Conservation planning
- Environmental stewardship programs
Community Development Programs
UNH Extension supports community growth and economic vitality through educational outreach and leadership programs.
- Community leadership training
- Economic development initiatives
- Public health education
- Food systems development
- Volunteer development
- Community planning assistance
4-H Youth Development
The New Hampshire 4-H program provides hands-on educational opportunities that help young people develop leadership skills and practical knowledge.
- STEM education
- Agricultural sciences
- Environmental education
- Animal science projects
- Leadership development
- Community service activities
Pest Pressures and Challenges in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s forests, landscapes, farms, and residential properties face a variety of pest challenges that can affect public health, agricultural productivity, forest health, and environmental quality. Extension specialists provide science-based recommendations to help residents manage these concerns effectively.
Ticks
Ticks are among the most significant public health pests in New Hampshire and throughout New England. Tick populations have increased substantially over the past several decades.
Common tick species include:
- Blacklegged Ticks (Deer Ticks)
- American Dog Ticks
- Lone Star Ticks
- Brown Dog Ticks
Extension specialists provide educational resources on tick identification, habitat management, personal protection, and disease prevention.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are widespread throughout New Hampshire, particularly near wetlands, forests, lakes, and standing water.
Extension programs provide information on:
- Mosquito biology
- Breeding habitat reduction
- Integrated mosquito management
- Personal protection strategies
- Community mosquito control efforts
Mosquito management remains important due to nuisance concerns and the potential transmission of diseases.
Forest Pests
New Hampshire’s forests face threats from both native and invasive insects that can significantly impact tree health and forest ecosystems.
Important forest pests include:
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgids
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Spruce Budworms
- Forest Tent Caterpillars
- Bark Beetles
- Spongy Moths
Extension forestry specialists help landowners and municipalities monitor forest health and respond to pest outbreaks.
Tree and Landscape Pests
Urban and suburban trees throughout New Hampshire face pressure from numerous insect pests and diseases.
Common tree pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Scale Insects
- Bagworms
- Borers
- Aphids
- Leafminers
Extension publications provide guidance on tree health monitoring, diagnosis, and long-term management strategies.
Garden and Agricultural Pests
Home gardens and agricultural operations encounter a variety of insect pests throughout the growing season.
Common garden pests include:
- Aphids
- Japanese Beetles
- Flea Beetles
- Cabbage Worms
- Colorado Potato Beetles
- Spider Mites
Extension specialists provide recommendations that emphasize environmentally responsible pest management practices.
Invasive Species
New Hampshire continues to face challenges from invasive insects and organisms that threaten forests, agriculture, and natural ecosystems.
Notable invasive pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgids
- Spotted Lanternflies
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
- Asian Longhorned Beetles
Extension personnel work with state and federal agencies to support monitoring, early detection, and public education efforts.
Household and Structural Pests
New Hampshire homeowners occasionally encounter pests that invade homes and other structures.
Common household pests include:
- Ants
- Termites
- Cockroaches
- Rodents
- Bed Bugs
- Spiders
Extension resources emphasize prevention, exclusion, sanitation, and integrated pest management techniques.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a cornerstone of University of New Hampshire Extension pest management education programs.
IPM strategies focus on:
- Accurate pest identification
- Pest monitoring and scouting
- Preventive cultural practices
- Biological control methods
- Habitat modification
- Responsible pesticide use
These approaches help reduce pest populations while protecting beneficial organisms, pollinators, water resources, and environmental quality.
Research and Diagnostic Services
The University of New Hampshire conducts extensive research focused on agriculture, forestry, environmental stewardship, pest management, and community sustainability.
Research areas include:
- Forest health monitoring
- Crop protection
- Biological control
- Integrated pest management
- Invasive species research
- Climate adaptation strategies
Extension specialists translate scientific research into practical recommendations that benefit New Hampshire residents, businesses, and agricultural producers.
Educational Publications and Resources
The University of New Hampshire Extension publishes a wide variety of educational materials covering agriculture, pest management, gardening, forestry, environmental stewardship, and community development.
Popular Resources Include:
- Pest identification guides
- Forest health publications
- Garden pest fact sheets
- Tree care resources
- Water quality education materials
- Invasive species alerts
Many publications are available online and are regularly updated to reflect current research findings and emerging pest concerns.
Contact the University of New Hampshire Extension
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing a garden, protecting forest resources, improving landscape health, addressing tick concerns, or responding to invasive species threats, the University of New Hampshire Extension provides access to research-based information and local expertise throughout the state.
Residents can contact their local Extension office or visit the University of New Hampshire Extension website to access educational publications, pest management resources, diagnostic assistance, and professional guidance.