About Virginia Cooperative Extension
The Virginia Cooperative Extension provides research-based education and outreach programs that support agriculture, horticulture, forestry, environmental stewardship, natural resources, family well-being, youth development, and community improvement throughout Virginia. Jointly operated by Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, Extension connects residents, farmers, businesses, gardeners, municipalities, and community organizations with practical solutions grounded in scientific research.
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Virginia’s diverse landscape includes the Appalachian Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, Piedmont region, Chesapeake Bay watershed, Atlantic coastal plain, forests, agricultural lands, and growing metropolitan areas. Virginia Cooperative Extension develops programs tailored to the unique environmental, agricultural, and economic needs found throughout the Commonwealth.
Core Services Offered
Virginia Cooperative Extension provides educational resources and technical assistance across a broad range of disciplines that support economic development, environmental sustainability, and healthy communities.
Agriculture and Crop Production
Agriculture remains a major contributor to Virginia’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, tobacco, wheat, cotton, peanuts, apples, grapes, vegetables, and specialty crops.
Livestock and Animal Agriculture
Virginia supports a diverse livestock industry that includes cattle, poultry, dairy operations, horses, and small ruminants.
- 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 Virginia rely on Extension resources for practical gardening and landscape management information.
- Vegetable gardening
- Fruit production
- Landscape maintenance
- Tree and shrub care
- Lawn management
- Garden pest identification
Virginia Master Gardener Program
The Virginia 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
Virginia’s forests provide significant environmental, recreational, and economic benefits. Extension programs help landowners manage these resources responsibly.
- Forest stewardship
- Tree health management
- Timber management
- Wildlife habitat improvement
- Watershed protection
- Natural resource conservation
Environmental Stewardship Programs
Virginia Cooperative Extension supports environmental sustainability through educational outreach and conservation initiatives.
- Chesapeake Bay protection
- Water quality improvement
- Stormwater management
- Pollinator habitat development
- Climate resilience education
- Sustainable landscaping programs
4-H Youth Development
The Virginia 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 Virginia
Virginia’s humid climate, diverse agricultural production, extensive forests, and growing urban areas create favorable conditions for a wide variety of insect pests, invasive species, plant diseases, and structural pests. Virginia Cooperative 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 Virginia. Tick populations have increased substantially 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 strategies.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are widespread throughout Virginia, particularly near wetlands, rivers, forests, 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 disease transmission risks.
Termites
Termites are among the most destructive structural pests in Virginia and cause millions of dollars in property damage each year.
Common termite species include:
- Eastern Subterranean Termites
- Formosan Subterranean Termites
- Drywood Termites
Extension resources help homeowners understand termite biology, prevention strategies, inspections, and treatment options.
Agricultural Crop Pests
Virginia producers face pressure from numerous insect pests that can affect crop yields and profitability.
Important agricultural pests include:
- Stink Bugs
- Aphids
- Armyworms
- Corn Earworms
- Thrips
- Cutworms
Extension entomologists provide pest monitoring programs and integrated management recommendations throughout the growing season.
Fruit and Vineyard Pests
Virginia’s apple orchards, vineyards, and fruit-growing regions face numerous pest challenges.
Common fruit pests include:
- Codling Moths
- Plum Curculios
- Apple Maggots
- Grape Berry Moths
- Japanese Beetles
- Spotted Wing Drosophila
Extension specialists provide orchard and vineyard-specific pest monitoring and management recommendations.
Tree and Forest Pests
Virginia’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
Healthy lawns, athletic fields, golf courses, and parks require careful management to prevent insect damage.
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 Virginia 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.
Invasive Species
Invasive insects continue to threaten Virginia’s agriculture, forests, landscapes, and natural ecosystems.
Notable invasive pests include:
- Spotted Lanternflies
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgids
- Asian Longhorned Beetles
Virginia has been significantly impacted by spotted lanternfly populations, and Extension specialists provide extensive educational resources on detection and management.
Household and Structural Pests
Virginia homeowners frequently encounter pests that invade homes and commercial buildings.
Common structural pests include:
- Termites
- Ants
- Cockroaches
- Rodents
- Bed Bugs
- Spiders
Extension resources emphasize prevention, exclusion, sanitation, and integrated pest management approaches.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) serves as a foundation of Virginia Cooperative 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
Virginia Tech and Virginia State University conduct 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 Virginia residents, businesses, and agricultural producers.
Educational Publications and Resources
Virginia Cooperative Extension publishes a wide variety of educational materials covering pest management, agriculture, gardening, forestry, lawns, and environmental stewardship.
Popular Resources Include:
- Pest identification guides
- Crop production manuals
- Garden pest fact sheets
- Tree health resources
- Turfgrass management publications
- Invasive species alerts
Many publications are available online and are regularly updated to reflect current research findings and emerging pest concerns.
Contact Virginia Cooperative Extension
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing agricultural crops, improving a lawn, maintaining a garden, protecting forests, addressing tick concerns, controlling termites, or responding to invasive species threats, Virginia Cooperative Extension provides access to research-based information and local expertise throughout the state.
Residents can contact their local Extension office or visit the Virginia Cooperative Extension website to access educational publications, pest management resources, diagnostic assistance, and professional guidance.