About Penn State Extension
The Penn State Extension provides research-based education and outreach programs that support agriculture, horticulture, forestry, environmental stewardship, food systems, youth development, family well-being, and community improvement throughout Pennsylvania. As the outreach arm of The Pennsylvania State University, Extension connects residents, farmers, businesses, gardeners, municipalities, and community organizations with practical solutions grounded in scientific research.
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Pennsylvania’s diverse landscape includes fertile agricultural valleys, hardwood forests, mountains, rivers, suburban communities, and major metropolitan areas. Penn State Extension develops programs tailored to the unique environmental, agricultural, and economic needs found throughout the Commonwealth.
Core Services Offered
Penn State 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
Pennsylvania has a highly diverse agricultural industry that includes dairy farming, grain production, fruit orchards, vegetable farms, mushroom production, and specialty crops. Extension specialists help producers improve productivity and sustainability.
- Crop production management
- Integrated pest management
- Soil health programs
- Nutrient management planning
- Irrigation management
- Agricultural economics and marketing
Extension programs support both large-scale commercial operations and family-owned farms throughout the state.
Dairy and Livestock Programs
Pennsylvania is one of the nation’s leading dairy-producing states. Extension specialists provide educational support for livestock producers.
- Dairy herd management
- Beef cattle production
- Poultry management
- Livestock nutrition
- Animal health education
- Forage and pasture management
Home Gardening and Horticulture
Homeowners and gardening enthusiasts throughout Pennsylvania rely on Penn State Extension resources for practical gardening and landscape management guidance.
- Vegetable gardening
- Fruit production
- Landscape maintenance
- Tree and shrub care
- Lawn management
- Garden pest identification
Master Gardener Program
The Penn State Master Gardener Program trains volunteers who help educate communities about gardening, plant health, and environmental stewardship.
Master Gardeners assist residents with:
- Plant selection
- Pest identification
- Composting techniques
- Native plant landscaping
- Pollinator conservation
- Sustainable gardening practices
Forestry and Woodland Management
Pennsylvania’s forests provide important environmental, recreational, and economic benefits. Extension programs help landowners manage these resources responsibly.
- Forest stewardship
- Tree health management
- Timber management
- Wildlife habitat improvement
- Forest conservation planning
- Natural resource management
Food Systems and Community Development
Penn State Extension supports local food systems and community development initiatives throughout Pennsylvania.
- Food safety education
- Nutrition programs
- Local food system development
- Community leadership training
- Economic development initiatives
- Health and wellness programs
4-H Youth Development
The Pennsylvania 4-H program provides 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 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s humid climate, extensive forests, productive agricultural regions, and dense population centers create favorable conditions for a wide variety of insect pests, invasive species, plant diseases, and structural pests. Penn State Extension specialists provide science-based recommendations to help residents and producers manage these challenges effectively.
Ticks
Ticks are among the most significant public health pests in Pennsylvania. Tick populations have expanded throughout the state and are associated with several diseases.
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, disease prevention, and personal protection measures.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are widespread throughout Pennsylvania and are common around wetlands, forests, suburban neighborhoods, and urban environments.
Extension programs provide information on:
- Mosquito biology
- Breeding habitat reduction
- Integrated mosquito management
- Personal protection strategies
- Community mosquito control efforts
Mosquito management remains important because of nuisance concerns and potential disease transmission.
Agricultural Crop Pests
Pennsylvania growers manage numerous insect pests that can affect grain crops, vegetables, fruits, and specialty agricultural products.
Important agricultural pests include:
- Corn Rootworms
- European Corn Borers
- Armyworms
- Aphids
- Stink Bugs
- Cutworms
Extension entomologists provide seasonal pest monitoring updates and integrated management recommendations throughout the growing season.
Fruit Orchard Pests
Pennsylvania’s apple, peach, cherry, and berry producers face pressure from numerous insect pests.
Common orchard pests include:
- Codling Moths
- Apple Maggots
- Plum Curculios
- San Jose Scale
- Oriental Fruit Moths
- Spotted Wing Drosophila
Extension specialists provide orchard-specific pest monitoring and management recommendations.
Tree and Forest Pests
Pennsylvania’s forests and urban tree populations face threats from both native and invasive insects.
Important tree pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Spongy Moths
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgids
- Asian Longhorned Beetles
- Bark Beetles
- Scale Insects
Forestry specialists help landowners and municipalities monitor tree health and respond to emerging pest threats.
Lawn and Turfgrass Pests
Healthy lawns, athletic fields, golf courses, and parks require careful management to prevent damage from insects and diseases.
Common turfgrass pests include:
- White Grubs
- Billbugs
- Chinch Bugs
- Sod Webworms
- Armyworms
Penn State is nationally recognized for turfgrass research and provides extensive educational resources for turf management professionals and homeowners.
Garden and Landscape Pests
Home gardens and ornamental landscapes throughout Pennsylvania encounter a variety of insect pests and plant diseases.
Common garden pests include:
- Aphids
- Japanese Beetles
- Flea Beetles
- Cabbage Worms
- Squash Bugs
- Spider Mites
Extension publications help gardeners identify pest problems and implement environmentally responsible management practices.
Household and Structural Pests
Pennsylvania homeowners frequently encounter pests that invade homes and commercial buildings.
Common structural pests include:
- Termites
- Ants
- Cockroaches
- Bed Bugs
- Rodents
- Spiders
Extension resources emphasize prevention, exclusion, sanitation, and integrated pest management approaches.
Invasive Species
Invasive insects continue to threaten Pennsylvania’s agriculture, forests, landscapes, and natural ecosystems.
Notable invasive pests include:
- Spotted Lanternflies
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgids
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
- Asian Longhorned Beetles
Pennsylvania has been at the center of national efforts to manage spotted lanternfly populations, and Extension specialists provide extensive educational resources on detection and control.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) serves as a foundation of Penn State 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 beneficial insects, pollinators, water resources, wildlife, and environmental quality.
Research and Diagnostic Services
The Pennsylvania State University conducts extensive research focused on agriculture, forestry, horticulture, pest management, environmental stewardship, and sustainable food systems.
Research areas include:
- Crop protection
- Fruit pest management
- Forest health monitoring
- Biological control
- Turfgrass science
- Invasive species research
Extension specialists translate scientific research into practical recommendations that benefit Pennsylvania residents, businesses, and agricultural producers.
Educational Publications and Resources
Penn State Extension publishes a wide variety of educational materials covering pest management, agriculture, horticulture, forestry, food systems, and environmental stewardship.
Popular Resources Include:
- Pest identification guides
- Crop production manuals
- Fruit pest management publications
- Garden pest fact sheets
- Forest health resources
- Invasive species alerts
Many publications are available online and are regularly updated to reflect current research findings and emerging pest concerns.
Contact Penn State Extension
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing agricultural crops, protecting orchards, improving a lawn, maintaining a garden, protecting forests, addressing tick concerns, or responding to invasive species threats, Penn State Extension provides access to research-based information and local expertise throughout Pennsylvania.
Residents can contact their local Extension office or visit the Penn State Extension website to access educational publications, pest management resources, diagnostic assistance, and professional guidance.