DA Form 8020-R: Miscellaneous Pest Collection Guide

DA Form 8020-R: Miscellaneous Pest Collection Guide – US Army preventive medicine teams, entomologists, and pest management professionals rely on DA Form 8020-R (Miscellaneous Pest Collection, LRA) as a key tool for documenting pest surveillance activities. Issued in December 1991 and authorized for local reproduction (LRA), this form supports the Army’s integrated pest management (IPM) programs by helping track medically important pests that could threaten Soldier health and mission readiness.

Whether you’re conducting routine surveillance on a US installation, responding to a potential vector issue, or maintaining compliance with Army public health standards, this guide covers everything you need to know about DA Form 8020-R—including its purpose, how to fill it out, and official resources.

Download the official DA Form 8020-R PDF here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A8020_R.pdf

What Is DA Form 8020-R?

DA Form 8020-R is titled “Miscellaneous Pest Collection” and serves as a standardized one-page record for collecting and reporting data on various pests not covered by specialized forms (such as mosquito-specific or rodent forms).

  • Date: DEC 1991
  • Proponent Agency: Office of The Surgeon General (OTSG)
  • Reference: TB MED 561 – Occupational and Environmental Health Pest Surveillance (June 1992)

The form is part of the Army’s broader pest surveillance program, which identifies disease vectors, monitors pest density, and supports evidence-based control measures. It remains actively referenced in current Army guidance, including DA PAM 40-11 (Army Public Health Program) and installation Integrated Pest Management Plans.

Purpose of DA Form 8020-R in US Army Pest Surveillance

The Army uses DA Form 8020-R to:

  • Document collections of miscellaneous pests (e.g., ticks, fleas, ants, flies, or other arthropods) during routine or targeted surveillance.
  • Provide accurate data for trend analysis, risk assessment, and IPM decision-making.
  • Support compliance with AR 40-5 (Preventive Medicine) and DA PAM 40-11, which emphasize protecting personnel from vector-borne diseases and environmental health hazards.
  • Enable preventive medicine (PVNTMED) teams to recommend targeted control measures and track the effectiveness of pest management efforts on US Army installations worldwide.

Accurate pest collection records help prevent outbreaks of diseases like Lyme disease, West Nile virus, or other vector-borne illnesses that can impact training and deployment readiness.

When Should You Use DA Form 8020-R?

Use this form whenever preventive medicine or pest management personnel collect pests outside of dedicated surveillance tools (such as light traps for mosquitoes or specific rodent forms). It is especially useful for:

  • Ad-hoc collections during field training exercises
  • Inspections of barracks, dining facilities, or training areas
  • Response to Soldier complaints about biting insects or unusual pest activity
  • Supporting data for pesticide resistance monitoring or public health reports

Note: Pair it with DA Form 8021-R (Miscellaneous Pest Identification) when specimens require lab identification.

How to Fill Out DA Form 8020-R? Step-by-Step Instructions

The form is straightforward and designed for quick field use. Here’s how to complete each field (based on the official layout):

  1. Installation – Enter the name of the US Army installation or facility where the collection occurred.
  2. Collection Number – Assign a unique sequential number for tracking (e.g., your unit’s yearly numbering system).
  3. Collection Date – Record the date of collection (use YYYYMMDD or standard military format).
  4. Habitat/Host – Describe the environment or host where the pest was found (e.g., “grassy field near barracks,” “on Soldier during PT,” “inside storage shed”).
  5. Density – Note the estimated number or density of pests observed/collected (e.g., “5–10 per trap,” “heavy infestation”).
  6. Collection Method – Specify the technique used (e.g., “hand collection,” “sweep net,” “sticky trap,” “aspirator”).
  7. Collector – Print the name and rank/position of the person who collected the specimen(s).
  8. Remarks – Add any additional observations, such as weather conditions, associated symptoms, or follow-up actions needed.
  9. Needed Supplies – List any additional equipment or materials required for future collections or control (e.g., “more CO2 traps,” “specimen vials”).

Keep entries clear, legible, and factual. Submit completed forms to your unit’s preventive medicine or entomology section for record-keeping and analysis.

Official Download and Local Reproduction

Always use the most current version from the official Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) to ensure compliance.

  • TB MED 561: Core guidance for occupational and environmental health pest surveillance programs.
  • DA PAM 40-11: Army Public Health Program – details roles in pest management.
  • AR 40-5: Preventive Medicine – overarching policy for health protection.
  • Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB) Technical Guides: Additional best practices for IPM.
  • Companion form: DA Form 8021-R for pest identification.

These documents ensure your surveillance efforts align with current US Army standards for protecting troops from environmental health threats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is DA Form 8020-R still current in 2026?
A: Yes. It continues to be referenced in active Army public health and IPM plans.

Q: Who is authorized to complete this form?
A: Preventive medicine specialists, entomologists, pest management technicians, and trained personnel conducting official surveillance.

Q: Where do I submit the completed form?
A: Follow your installation’s PVNTMED or environmental health SOP—typically to the supporting medical or public health activity.

Q: Can I fill it out digitally?
A: The official PDF is fillable; many units also maintain electronic records in systems like DOEHRS (Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System).

Protect Mission Readiness with Proper Pest Surveillance

Effective use of DA Form 8020-R is a small but critical part of the US Army’s commitment to Soldier health and operational effectiveness. By accurately documenting miscellaneous pest collections, you contribute directly to preventing disease, reducing nuisance pests, and maintaining a healthy training and living environment.

Ready to get started?
Download your copy of DA Form 8020-R now: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A8020_R.pdf

For questions about implementation or integration with your installation’s IPM plan, contact your local Preventive Medicine Service or the US Army Public Health Center.