ZTtY 7 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 7, I96I 



INSECT SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 12 



This weekly bulletin on the general insect situation in Illinois (fruit 

 insects excepted) is prepared by entomologists of the Illinois Natural History 

 Survey, University of Illinois College of Agriculture and cooperating agencies. 

 It is designed to forewarn people in Illinois of impending changes in insect ac- 

 tivity and to suggest abbreviated control measures. These reports indicate only 

 general trends. Each individual should check his own fields to determine local 

 conditions. 



Face flies are the most pressing farm insect problem in Illinois this 

 week. Right now they are abundant on cattle on many farms. Almost all herds of 

 cattle, dairy and non-dairy, north of a line from St. Louis to Lawrence ville have 

 some face flies present on them. With warm weather the numbers of face flies will 

 increase rapidly reaching a peak in late August or early September. South of this 

 line from St. Louis to Lawrenceville face flies are not numerous enough to be con- 

 sidered a serious problem yet. 



From all reports DDVP sirup face fly baits applied to the animal's fore- 

 head are giving good results. However, they must be applied daily for about two 

 weeks, then every 3 to 5 days or as needed. This control, although designed for 

 dairy cattle, can be used on non-dairy cattle if feasible. 



Toxaphene, 5 percent in oil, in a backrubber is recommended for non-dairy 

 animals. The effectiveness of this method of control is dependent on the animal's 

 willingness to rub its head on the cable and the abundance of trees and brush in 

 the pasture. Do not apply toxaphene to livestock within 28 days of slaughter. 



Animals that have access to sheds or barns gain some relief as many of 

 the face flies do not follow them inside. Animals in dry lot have considerably 

 fewer flies than do those on pasture. 



Grasshoppers are being reported in very localized situations. Control 

 them while they are small. It requires less material over a much smaller area now 

 than it will later. Examine fence rows, ditch banks, and grass waterways for small 

 'hoppers. Although luxuriant vegetation in these areas may hold them for some time, 

 it might be well to control them now. 



Use 1/8 to 1/1+ pound of dieldrin or 1 to 1 l/2 pounds of toxaphene per 

 acre. Do not apply dieldrin to pastures grazed by dairy cattle or animals being 

 finished for slaughter. Toxaphene cannot be used on dairy pastures; it can be 

 applied to pastures for beef animals, but not within k-2 days of slaughter. 



Picnic beetles or scavenger beetles as they are called, are now emerging 

 and will soon be a nuisance everywhere. These beetles are about l/U- inch long, 

 shiny black, and have four yellow to orange spots on their backs. They are 

 attracted to the odor of food. They get into the food at picnics, and outdoor 

 barbecues. They swarm onto overripe or injured fruits and vegetables in gardens. 



Keep gardens and berry patches free of overripe and rotting fruits and 

 vegetables. As fruits and vegetables become ripe, pick them immediately. Prevent- 

 ing injury from other insects will help reduce the numbers of these pests on vege- 

 table and fruit farms. Sprays of diazinon or malathion help to control them, but 

 it may be necessary to make repeat applications as beetles migrate into the area- 

 Follow labels on containers for time intervals betvreen treatment and harvest. 



