FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 22, i960 



INSECT SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 1 



This is the first in a series of weekly bulletins on the general insect 

 situation in Illinois (fruit insects excepted), prepared by entomologists of the 

 Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois College of Agriculture, and 

 cooperating agencies. It is designed to forewarn people of Illinois of impending 

 changes in insect activity and suggests abbreviated control measures. These reports 

 indicate only general trends. Each individual should check his own fields to deter- 

 mine local conditions. 



General conditions : Insect activity this spring is a little later than 

 usual. With a few more days of warm weather, however, insects will become more 

 numerous and damage may appear. 



Clover leaf weevils : Small green worms with white to yellow stripes down 

 their backs feed on the leaves of clover at night, hiding in debris on the ground 

 during the day. The number varies from field to field, but in general the population 

 is greater this year than last. Many of the worms are still quite small and their 

 feeding is ^ust now beginning to show. If growing conditions continue to be favor- 

 able, the clover plants will grow away from the damage. However, with several cool 

 days and poor growing conditions, damage would become apparent. Right now it is a 

 rare field that will require an insecticide application. If control is required, 

 use 1 1/2 pounds of methoxychlor or l/h pound of lindane per acre. Do not apply 

 lindane within 30 days of pasture or harvest, or methoxychlor within one week. 



Pea aphids : This pest is now appearing on alfalfa in southern Illinois. 

 If insecticide is required, the need should be apparent within a week. Use 1 pound 

 of malathion, 1/k pound of parathion or phosdrin, or 1/8 pound of demeton per acre. 

 Allow one week between treatment and harvest when using malathion, 1 day with 

 phosdrin, 15 days with parathion, and 21 days with demeton. Only one application 

 of demeton can be made per cutting. Demeton, parathion and phosdrin should be 

 applied only by an applicator experienced in handling toxic organic phosphates. 



Spittle bugs : Hatch of overwintering eggs has started as far north as 

 Champaign. In northern Illinois, where the greatest population occurs, hatching 

 will probably not start for about one week. 



Corn soil insects : Applications of aldrin or heptachlor at or prior to 

 planting of corn are generally recommended. Broadcast applications at 1 1/2 pounds 

 of insecticide per acre, disked in immediately, provide more consistent control than 

 row treatments of one pound per acre at planting. However, with average insect in- 

 festations, row treatments have been highly satisfactory. 



Cankerworms : These worms will be hatching soon and stripping elms as the 

 first leaves appear. An application of spray containing either k pounds of lead 

 arsenate or 1 pound of actual DDT per 100 gallons of water will control them. 



Clover mites : These tiny red mites are now making their appearance. 

 Pyrethrin sprays indoors are the best control method. For outside applications, 

 spray heavily with Aramite or chlorobenzilate at 1/4 pound in 3 gallons of water or 

 2 tablespoons of emulsifiable Kelthane in 3 gallons of water. Spray the foundation, 

 the side of the house to window height, and the soil for 2 feet around the founda- 

 tion. As a preventive control measure, spade an 18-inch border around the house, 

 and plant flowers or shrubs. Very few clover mites will migrate farther than that 

 unless grass or clover is present. 3FTHE 



APR 29 I960 



