Forage Insects 



Grasshoppers are abundant in some roadsides, ditchbanks, fence rows, grass water - 

 ways, and hay fields. Do not confuse them with green katydids or long-horned 

 grasshoppers with the long antennae (longer than their body) , which are also 

 abundant. Katydids are not of economic importance. Carbaryl (Sevin) at 3/4 

 pound per acre is best for the control of grasshoppers. Other insecticides like 

 toxaphene, diazinon, malathion, and naled can be used against grasshoppers. Be 

 sure to read the label and follow the directions and precautions for the insecti- 

 cide you use. 



Homeowner Insect Problems 



Fall webworms are defoliating certain shade trees and shrubs. These pale-green or 

 yellow worms with a dark stripe down the back and a yellow stripe along each side 

 spin a web over the branches and skeletonize the leaves inside. They continue to 

 extend the web to take in fresh foliage. Small trees and shrubs may be completely 

 webbed over by the time the caterpillars mature. The damaged leaves turn brown, 

 curl, dry up, and eventually die. 



A spray containing 2 tablespoons of 50 -percent carbaryl (Sevin) wettable powder 

 per gallon of water is effective. 



Aphids are heavy on many kinds of trees, shrubs, and flowers. These small (green, 

 black, yellow, or red) soft -bodied sucking insects secrete a sticky material called 

 "honeydew." Ants are often numerous on the plants along with aphids, since they 

 feed on the aphid "honeydew." Leaves of heavily infested plants will curl, yellow, 

 and eventually brown. Damage is enhanced by dry weather. For control, spray the 

 foliage thoroughly, using 2 teaspoons of 50- to 57-percent malathion or a 25-percent 

 diazinon emulsion concentrate per gallon of water. Do not use malathion on African 

 violets or cannaert red cedar. Do not use diazinon on ferns or hibiscus. 



Sod webworm moths are abundant in lawns, shrubbery, and around lights at night in 

 the central section. These buff-colored moths (they hold their wings tightly 

 against their sides when at rest) are laying eggs in grasses. If you notice large 

 numbers of these moths in your yard, plan on treating your lawn with an insecti- 

 cide about 2 weeks later. 



The larvae of the webworm are a gray worm with small brown spots over their back 

 and a black head. They are about an inch long when mature, and live for about 4 

 weeks as a larva. The worms live in silken-lined burrows in the thatch of the 

 lawn, clipping off the grass blades at the base. Brown spots appear in the lawn 

 when worms are numerous, and large numbers of robins will move in to feed on the 

 larvae. By this time, it is usually too late to control the problem. 



To control sod webworms, apply as a spray: (1) 2 pounds of actual carbaryl (Sevin), 

 (2) 1 pound of diazinon, or (3) 1 1/4 pounds of trichlorfon (Dylox) per 10,000 

 square feet (1/4 acre) . Apply the amount of insecticide suggested in at least 25 

 gallons of water, and do not water the lawn for 3 days after treatment. Granular 

 forms of the same insecticides applied from a fertilizer spreader can be used in 

 place of the spray. 



