Plant Industry - Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS)

 

What is CAPS?

The Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) program works to detect invasive plant pests before they become established in North Carolina.

Using targeted trapping, visual surveys, and public outreach, CAPS monitors for high-risk invasive insects, plant diseases, and other plant pests that could threaten our agricultural industries, natural resources, and local communities. Early detection gives us the best opportunity to respond quickly, prevent spread, and reduce long-term economic and environmental damage.

CAPS is a partnership between the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, working alongside universities, industry, and other state and federal partners.

Why Early Detection Matters in North Carolina?

North Carolina’s agriculture and agribusiness industries contribute over $100 billion annually to the state’s economy. Once an invasive pest becomes established, eradication is difficult, costly, and sometimes impossible.

Finding pests early protects:

  • Farmers and nursery producers
  • Forests
  • Home landscapes
  • Native ecosystems
  • Market access for North Carolina plant products

What Do We Survey For?

Each year, North Carolina surveys for high-risk pests not known to occur in the state. These may include:

  • Invasive insects
  • Plant diseases
  • Nematodes
  • Other plant-feeding invertebrates

Survey targets are selected through a national, science-based risk process and reviewed annually to address emerging threats relevant to North Carolina.

Official survey data documenting pest absence also supports growers and businesses when shipping plant material to other states and countries.

See Something Unusual? Report It.

Public awareness plays a critical role in early detection.

If you suspect a new or unusual plant pest, contact the
NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division:

📞 1-800-206-9333
📧newpest@ncagr.gov

You may also contact:

Josie Pasche
State Survey Coordinator, CAPS
📞 (919) 707-3749
📧josie.pasche@ncagr.gov

If you are looking for a pest that is not listed by any of our programs, please contact your local Cooperative Extension Service office.

Cooperators

NCSU Plant Disease and Insect ClinicNC Cooperative ExtensionNC Forest ServiceUS Department of Agriculture
NCSU Plant Disease and Insect Clinic
NCSU Cooperative Extension
NC Forest Service
 
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