FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 28, 196l 



INSECT SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 2 



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

 situation in Illi nois (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. 



Face flies ; These pests of livestock have been migrating from their hi- 

 bernating areas to cattle during the past two weeks in the area north of a line from 

 Paris to Carroll ton. Occasional herds, particularly adjacent to wooded areas, have 

 averaged as many as 20 per animal. Animals with these high counts are beginning to 

 fight flies, and their eyes are noticeably watering. Populations will probably not 

 increase noticeably during this cool weather, but now is the time to start a control 

 program. It will have a marked effect in reducing later populations. Livestock 

 farmers should observe their cattle on warm, sunny days when they are in the field. 

 Flies that are in and around the eyes and nostrils are usually face flies. If there 

 is one or more per animal, start a control program now. 



For dairy cattle, apply DDVP commercially prepared face fly bait daily to 

 the animal's forehead for the next 2 to 3 weeks and then every 3 to 5 days as needed. 

 For beef cattle, use 5 percent toxaphene in a backrubber. Homemade backrubbers work 

 as well as the commercial ones. Run a taut line of k to 6 strands of barbed wire 

 from a post about 5 feet above ground to a stake in the ground about 9 feet away, 

 and wrap with gunny sacks. Saturate with the toxaphene solution. Place the back- 

 rubber where it is readily accessible and will be used. Do not treat cattle with 

 toxaphene within 28 days of slaughter. 



Hessian flies : Questions have been asked about the spring brood of flies. 

 No control measures are known for this brood. However, emergence of flies ranged 

 from 50 to 75 percent this week, and eggs are being deposited on the upper surface 

 of wheat leaves as far north as Springfield. 



Spittle bugs : These insects are now hatching from the overwintering eggs. 

 Controls, where desired, can be applied this week. One or more spittle bugs per 

 stem should be present before control is considered. At present the insects are 

 tiny and difficult to find, and careful examination is required. Populations will 

 be highest in northern Illinois. 



To control spittle bugs, use l/U pound of lindane per acre or 1 pound of 

 methoxychlor per acre. Lindane does best when air temperatures are over 60 degrees. 

 It will also control clover leaf weevil and aid in control of pea aphids. Do not 

 apply lindane within one month of harvest or pasture, or methoxychlor within one 

 week. 



Clover leaf weevil : Clover is now beginning to grow away from damage, 

 but an occasional field in central and western Illinois has a high population. 



If damage is severe and aphids are also present, use lindane; 1 1/2 

 pound of methoxychlor may be used, particularly if pasture is involved. 



Pea aphids : This insect is increasing rapidly, particularly in alfalfa 

 fields in central, south-central, and southern Illinois. Warm weather will enable 



