About the University of Tennessee Extension
The University of Tennessee Extension provides research-based education and outreach programs that support agriculture, horticulture, forestry, environmental stewardship, family well-being, youth development, and community improvement throughout Tennessee. As the outreach arm of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Extension connects residents, farmers, businesses, gardeners, municipalities, and community organizations with practical solutions grounded in scientific research.
Official Website
https://utextension.tennessee.edu/
Tennessee’s diverse landscape includes the Appalachian Mountains, fertile river valleys, forests, agricultural lands, wetlands, and growing metropolitan regions. The University of Tennessee Extension develops programs tailored to the unique environmental, agricultural, and economic needs found throughout the Volunteer State.
Core Services Offered
The University of Tennessee Extension provides educational resources and technical assistance across a wide range of disciplines that support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and healthy communities.
Agriculture and Crop Production
Agriculture remains a major contributor to Tennessee’s economy. Extension specialists help producers improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability through science-based recommendations.
- Crop production management
- Integrated pest management
- Soil health programs
- Nutrient management planning
- Irrigation management
- Agricultural economics and marketing
Major crops supported by Extension programs include soybeans, corn, cotton, tobacco, wheat, hay, fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops.
Livestock and Animal Agriculture
Tennessee’s livestock industry includes beef cattle, poultry, dairy operations, equine enterprises, and small ruminant production.
- Beef cattle management
- Poultry production
- Dairy herd management
- Livestock nutrition
- Animal health education
- Pasture and forage management
Home Gardening and Horticulture
Homeowners and gardening enthusiasts throughout Tennessee rely on Extension resources for science-based gardening and landscape management information.
- Vegetable gardening
- Fruit production
- Landscape maintenance
- Tree and shrub care
- Lawn management
- Garden pest identification
Tennessee Master Gardener Program
The Tennessee 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 landscaping
- Pollinator conservation
- Sustainable gardening practices
Forestry and Natural Resources
Tennessee’s forests cover a significant portion of the state and provide important environmental, recreational, and economic benefits.
- Forest stewardship
- Tree health management
- Wildlife habitat improvement
- Forest management planning
- Watershed protection
- Natural resource conservation
Family and Consumer Sciences
Extension educators help families improve quality of life through practical educational programs.
- Nutrition education
- Food safety programs
- Financial literacy training
- Health and wellness initiatives
- Consumer education
- Family resource management
4-H Youth Development
The Tennessee 4-H program is one of the largest youth organizations in the state and 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 Tennessee
Tennessee’s warm climate, abundant rainfall, extensive forests, and diverse agricultural production create favorable conditions for a wide variety of insect pests, invasive species, plant diseases, and structural pests. University of Tennessee Extension specialists provide science-based recommendations to help residents and producers manage these challenges effectively.
Termites
Termites are among the most destructive structural pests in Tennessee and cause millions of dollars in property damage each year.
Common termite species include:
- Eastern Subterranean Termites
- Formosan Subterranean Termites
- Drywood Termites
Extension publications help homeowners understand termite biology, prevention strategies, inspections, and treatment options.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are widespread throughout Tennessee, particularly in wetlands, wooded areas, river valleys, and residential communities.
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
Tennessee producers face pressure from numerous insect pests that can affect crop yields and profitability.
Important agricultural pests include:
- Cotton Bollworms
- Armyworms
- Stink Bugs
- Thrips
- Aphids
- Corn Earworms
Extension entomologists provide pest monitoring programs and integrated management recommendations throughout the growing season.
Tree and Forest Pests
Tennessee’s forests and urban trees face threats from both native and invasive insects.
Important tree pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgids
- Southern Pine Beetles
- Bark Beetles
- Scale Insects
- Defoliating Caterpillars
Forestry specialists help landowners and municipalities monitor tree health and respond to pest outbreaks.
Lawn and Turfgrass Pests
Tennessee’s warm-season and cool-season lawns can be affected by numerous insect pests and diseases.
Common turfgrass pests include:
- White Grubs
- Billbugs
- Chinch Bugs
- Sod Webworms
- Armyworms
Extension specialists provide guidance on maintaining healthy turfgrass while minimizing environmental impacts.
Garden and Landscape Pests
Home gardens and ornamental landscapes throughout Tennessee encounter numerous insect pests and plant diseases.
Common garden pests include:
- Aphids
- Japanese Beetles
- Flea Beetles
- Squash Bugs
- Spider Mites
- Tomato Hornworms
Extension publications help gardeners identify pest problems and implement environmentally responsible management strategies.
Household and Structural Pests
Tennessee homeowners frequently encounter pests that invade homes and commercial buildings.
Common structural pests include:
- Termites
- Cockroaches
- Ants
- Rodents
- Bed Bugs
- Spiders
Extension resources emphasize prevention, exclusion, sanitation, and integrated pest management approaches.
Invasive Species
Invasive insects continue to threaten Tennessee’s agriculture, forests, landscapes, and natural ecosystems.
Notable invasive pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Spotted Lanternflies
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgids
- Asian Longhorned Beetles
Extension personnel work closely with state and federal agencies to support monitoring, early detection, rapid response, and public education efforts.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) serves as a foundation of University of Tennessee 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, wildlife, water resources, and environmental quality.
Research and Diagnostic Services
The University of Tennessee conducts extensive research focused on agriculture, forestry, horticulture, pest management, environmental stewardship, and sustainable food systems.
Research areas include:
- Crop protection
- Forest health monitoring
- Biological control
- Urban pest management
- Turfgrass science
- Invasive species research
Extension specialists translate scientific research into practical recommendations that benefit Tennessee residents, businesses, and agricultural producers.
Educational Publications and Resources
The University of Tennessee Extension publishes a wide variety of educational materials covering pest management, agriculture, horticulture, forestry, family programs, and environmental stewardship.
Popular Resources Include:
- Pest identification guides
- Crop production manuals
- Garden pest fact sheets
- Tree health resources
- Forestry management publications
- 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 Tennessee Extension
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing agricultural crops, improving a lawn, maintaining a garden, protecting forests, addressing termite concerns, controlling mosquitoes, or responding to invasive species threats, the University of Tennessee 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 Tennessee Extension website to access educational publications, pest management resources, diagnostic assistance, and professional guidance.