-2- 



Flies thus far have not been a problem on livestock farms . However , the 

 lesser house fly is now appearing in numbers in poultry houses. Gather the eggs, 

 cover the water and feed troughs, and apply a one percent ronnel spray to the walls 

 and ceilings for control. 



The Upcoming Farm Insect Problems 



Variegated cutworms are present in some legume fields in south-central and 

 southern Illinois. All worms found this week were very small. Later these greyish 

 worms with yellow or white dots down their backs will feed on the leaves at night 

 and hide in the debris during the day. Their feeding does not become apparent until 

 just before time to cut clover for hay. Bales of hay often have dozens of these 

 worms underneath them. In addition to defoliation of first growth, the shoots of 

 the second growth may be seriously damaged. 



Armyworm moths are still present, and larger flights are expected. It will 

 soon be time to examine lodged spots in wheat fields. Shake the plants vigorously, 

 and look on the ground underneath. If small striped worms are present, they will 

 probably be armyworms. Do not use this count as a field average. If you find no 

 armyworms in lodged spots, no further examination will be necessary. If you find 

 lots of them, make a field check. No control is needed unless the population aver- 

 ages six or more per linear foot. Even then, do not apply insecticides until the 

 worms are about one-half inch long. 



Black cutworm moths have been present for several weeks, and eggs collected 

 from these moths in late April have now hatched. We can expect these tiny cutworms 

 to appear in cornfields any time from now on. Examine soil in and around corn plants 

 in the low spots. The next three weeks will be critical for effective control. Ap- 

 plications of 3 pounds of toxaphene, 2 pounds of carbaryl (Sevin)> or 2 to 3 pounds of 

 diazinon, directed at the base of the plants, will control the small worms. Worms 

 that are 1 to 2 inches long are very difficult to control. 



After the damage has been done, it is too late to do anything but apply a 

 soil insecticide like aldrin or heptachlor at 3 pounds per acre, disk it in, and re- 

 plant. This year let's get the cutworms early. 



Pupation of overwintering corn borer larvae has begun as far north as 



Decatur. 



The Homeowner's Present Insect Problems 



Aphids are now abundant on roses and some shrubs. Malathion sprays will 

 control them. 



Fungus flies or gnats will soon be present in some numbers. A common sight 

 will be to find these flies clinging to upper leaves of plants. Most of them will be 

 dead or dying. The young or maggots matured in rotting plant material in the soil 

 and emerged as harmless flies or gnats. 



Caution to Those Using Insecticides 



Before applying insecticides, read the labels carefully and follow all pre- 

 cautions. This will not only insure personal safety, but will also eliminate residue 

 hazards . 



This weekly report was prepared by H. B. Petty, Steve Moore, Roscoe Randell, 

 and Clarence E. White, Illinois Natural History Survey and University of Illinois Col- 

 lege of Agriculture, in cooperation with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Plant 

 Pest Control Branch, from information gathered by entomologists and cooperators who 

 send in weekly reports from their own localities. 



Sent by: H. E. Petty 



Extension Specialist 



