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The Homeowner's Insect Problem 



Picnic "beetles or scavenger beetles are now emerging and may soon become 

 a nuisance in many areas. The general wet conditions occurring in most areas in May 

 should result in moderate to heavy populations of these insects. Dry conditions 

 during Kay will reduce beetle numbers. These beetles are about 1/k inch long, shiny 

 black with four yellow spots on their back. They are attracted to the odor of food 

 and get into food at picnics and cookouts. They swarm onto overripe or damaged 

 fruits and vegetables in gardens . They congregate around garbage containers and on 

 screens of doors and windows of the kitchen. 



Keep vegetables and fruits picked before they become overripe and dispose 

 of damaged produce. Sprays of malathion, diazinon, or carbaryl will help to control 

 the beetles, but it may be necessary to repeat the applications as beetles move into 

 the area. Check the label for application directions for each crop. For cookouts, 

 spray the shrubbery and any nearby tall grass or weeds with one of these same in- 

 secticides several hours before eating. A space spray of pyrethrins or dichlorvos 

 (DDVP) applied from a pressurized spray can just before eating will provide quick 

 knockdown of the beetles. 



Mimosa webworms attack the leaves of honey locust and mimosa. A small 

 pale gray to brown, active striped caterpillar can be found in a bunch of leaflets 

 tied together with silken threads. They skeletonize these leaflets and then form a 

 new nest. The old nest turns brown and the leaflets die. The worms now feeding are 

 the first generation. There will be a second and possibly even a third generation 

 this year. Spray infested trees with malathion using 2 teaspoons of emulsion con- 

 centrate per gallon of water. This is 1 quart in 100 gallons of water. 



Elm leaf beetles are skeletonizing the leaves of Chinese elms, and to some 

 extent other elm species are affected. These small, dirty, yellow to black worms 

 can be found on the undersides of leaves. If control becomes necessary carbaryl or 

 lead arsenate sprays are effective. 



The sticky substance found on leaves of shade trees, sidewalks, and auto- 

 mobiles is most likely honeydew produced by aphids . Aphids are small green, red, or 

 black sucking insects that suck sap from plants and excrete a sticky substance called 

 "honeydew." A sooty mold often grows on the honeydew to blacken stems and foliage. 

 This mold does not harm the plants. Leaves and stems being fed on by aphids may 

 wilt and become shrivelled. 



For control, spray infested trees and shrubs thoroughly and with force. 

 Use 2 teaspoons of 50-57 percent malathion emulsion concentrate per gallon of water 

 or 1 quart per 100 gallons. Repeat the treatment as needed. 



Caution to Those Using Insecticides 



Before applying insecticides, read the labels carefully and follow all 

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

 residue hazards. 



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

 Randell, Don Kuhlman, and Clarence E. White, Illinois Natural History Survey and 

 University of Illinois College of Agriculture, in cooperation with the USDA, Agri- 

 cultural 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. B. Petty 



Extension Specialist 

 in Entomology 



