-3- 



If fields are just beginning to pollinate and there are at least 10 beetles per ear, 

 kernel set may be impaired. It might pay to control these beetles with an applica- 

 tion of 1 pound of carbaryl (Sevin). However, in fields where pollination is com- 

 plete, control will not be profitable. This insect is a pest only in fields where 

 corn has been grown four or more years in succession. 



Western corn rootworm adults are already present in the limited area of 

 infestation in western Illinois. 



Corn leaf aphids are still present, but numbers are low. Only a few colo- 

 nies can be found on occasional plants in northern Illinois. The aphids are more 

 numerous in southern Illinois, but no populations of importance have been seen. 



The Homeowner's Insect Problem 



Picnic beetles , lA-inch shiny black beetles with four yellow spots on 

 their backs, are attracted to food at picnics and cookouts and to overripe or dam- 

 aged fruits and vegetables in gardens. They also congregate around garbage con- 

 tainers and on screens of doors and windows of the kitchen. 



To control this insect , pick vegetables and fruits before they become over- 

 ripe and dispose of damaged produce. Sprays of malathion, diazinon or carbaryl will 

 help to control the beetles, but you may need to repeat the applications as beetles 

 migrate into the area. Check the label for application directions for each crop. 



For cookouts, spray shrubbery and nearby tall grass or weeds with one of 



these same insecticides several hours before eating. A space spray of pyrethrins 



or dichlorvos (DDVP) applied from a pressurized sprayer just before eating will pro- 

 vide quick knockdown of the beetles. 



Mimosa web worms are small pale gray to brown, active striped caterpillars 

 that feed on honey locust and mimosa. There will soon be a second and possibly even 

 a third generation this year. Spray infested trees with malathion, using 2 tea- 

 spoons of emulsion concentrate per gallon of water (this is 1 quart in 100 gallons 

 of water) . 



A slug or sawfly has been feeding on hawthornes in northern Illinois. This 

 worm eats the epidermis, and the foliage turns brown. Use carbaryl (Sevin) as a 

 spray or dust to control this insect. 



Caution to Those Using Insecticides 



Before applying insecticides, read the labels carefullv and follow all 

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

 residue hazards. 



Recently a city was being sprayed with malathion, a comparatively safe 

 insecticide, to control mosquitoes. By mistake, a can of a toxic material, para- 

 thion, with a label that looked like that on the malathion can, was used acciden- 

 tally. Fortunately no harm was done. But this incident does stress the need to 

 read the label each time you use an insecticide. 



* X * * K 



This weekly report was prepared by H. B. Petty, Steve Moore, F.oscoe Ran- 

 dell, Don Kuhlman and Clarence E. White, Illinois Natural History Survey and Uni- 

 versity of Illinois College of Agriculture, in cooperation with the USDA, Agricul- 

 tural 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 



