Small -Grain Insects 



An aerial spray program to eradicate the cereal leaf beetle was started this week, 

 according to Mr. Robert Bills, Plant Pest Control Division, Agricultural Research' 

 Service, USDA. Technical grade malathion (9.7 pounds per gallon) was applied by 

 air at 4 fluid ounces per acre. Mile- radius areas will be treated at each site 

 where a few cereal leaf beetles (1 to 3) were found recently in Will, Kankakee, 

 Iroquois, Vermilion (overlap on treatment into Champaign County), Edgar, and 

 Woodford Counties. These infestation sites in Will, Kankakee, and Vermilion 

 Counties are different from those treated this spring. The beetle had not been 

 found in Iroquois, Edgar, and Woodford Counties until just recently. By contin- 

 ued detection and treatment, it is hoped that the insect can be prevented from 

 becoming established in Illinois. 



Forage Insects 



Potato leaf hoppers are damaging alfalfa in some areas. These small, green, wedge- 

 shaped insects (1/16- inch) cause yellowing, purpling, and stunting of alfalfa, and 

 reduce both the quantity and quality of the hay. If swarms of these leafhoppers 

 are observed at cutting time, treatment of the new growth is indicated. Fields 

 with severe damage will not recover. Thus, clip and remove; then spray the new 

 growth. Spray when the new growth is 2 to 6 inches tall with either 1 pound per 

 acre of actual carbaryl (Sevin) or methoxychlor. Allow 7 days to elapse between 

 treatment and harvest when using methoxychlor. There is no waiting period for 

 carbaryl. Carbaryl is toxic to bees and should not be applied to alfalfa in 

 bloom. 



Small grasshoppers are abundant in fence rows, ditch banks, roadsides, grass 

 waterways, and hay fields in some localized areas. The infestation is not gen- 

 erally heavy. The areas of high infestation were most likely those that rain 

 showers missed in June when the overwintered eggs were hatching . Most of the 

 eggs should have hatched by now. If young 'hoppers are numerous, spray immedi- 

 ately before they have a chance to migrate to corn or soybeans . 



Carbaryl (Sevin) at 3/4 pound per acre as a spray is best for grasshoppers. Di- 

 azinon at 1/2 pound, malathion at 1 pound, or naled (Dibrom) at 3/4 pound per 

 acre are also effective. When treating forage crops, allow 7 days between treat- 

 ment and harvest with diazinon, 4 days with naled. There is no waiting period 

 for carbaryl or malathion. 



Homeowner Insect Problems 



Evergreens (not treated in early-to-mid June) are being injured by bagworms in 

 the southern and central sections. The leaves turn brown and large numbers of 

 worms in their protected cone-shaped brown bags (about 1/2 -inch long) can be 

 found clinging to the leaves and branches. Sprays of carbaryl, malathion, diazi- 

 non, or lead arsenate are effective. Follow directions on the label, and check 

 plants that may be injured if sprayed with the insecticide you are using. Mala- 

 thion would be the preferred insecticide if mites are also present. To check for 

 mites, hold a piece of white paper beneath a branch and jar the branch. The mites 

 appear as small, black, moving specks on the paper. 



Ants, spiders, crickets, millipedes, sowbugs, roaches , and other crawling insects 

 continue to enter homes. If you sprayed the foundation wall of your house in May, 

 it may need another treatment now. 



