'FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 14, I96I 



INSECT SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 13 



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

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

 vey, University of Illinois College of Agriculture and cooperating agencies. It is 

 designed to forewarn people in Illinois of Impending changes in insect activity and 

 to suggest abbreviated control measures. These reports indicate only general trends. 

 Each individual should check his own fields to determine local conditions. 



Grasshoppers are becoming evident in localized areas throughout Illinois. 

 These infestations are correlated with lack of rainfall during the time the eggs 

 were hatching. Hard, beating rains kill newly hatched 'hoppers, but hoppers a few 

 days old are able to survive. Examine clover, alfalfa and soybean fields as grass- 

 hoppers are migrating out of fence rows, ditch banks, grass waterways and similar 

 areas. 



For dairy pastures or hay crops, use 1 pound of malathion per acre. Allow 

 one week between application and harvest or pasture. For beef pastures, use 1 l/2 

 pounds of toxaphene per acre. Remove animals from toxaphene- treated pastures h2 

 days before slaughter, particularly if toxaphene is being used for fly control. 



For unused areas, use toxaphene, 1/4 pound of dieldrin or l/h to l/2 pound 

 of aldrin or heptachlor per acre. 



Leafhopper damage is now appearing in alfalfa. These leafhoppers are 

 tiny, wedged-shaped green insects. Damaged fields are purplish-yellow, and the 

 plants are stunted. Control of leafhoppers will not be profitable after the damage 

 becomes evident. Mow the field and examine the new shoots. If the wingless leaf- 

 hopper nymphs are numerous, apply 1 pound of methoxychlor per acre. Do not treat 

 within one week of harvest or pasture. 



Face flies continue to be a serious livestock problem. DDVP face fly 

 baits are effective in the control of these flies. However, daily applications are 

 needed for at least two weeks to bring the population under control. Applications 

 every 3 to 5 days thereafter should maintain effective control. 



DDVP baits can be used on all cattle that can be handled. When non-dairy 

 animals can not be handled, backrubbers using 5$ toxaphene will be of benefit. Their 

 effectiveness will depend on the use the animals make of them. Some failures have 

 been reported, but the backrubbers were placed where the animals did not use them or 

 in pastures with lots of brush and trees. In these instances, place them in a lane 

 or near a water tank or salt lick. Do not apply toxaphene to dairy cattle. It can 

 be used on non-dairy animals, but not within 28 days of slaughter. 



Stable flies are numerous on dairy cattle, averaging as high as 15 to 20 

 per animal in some herds. This means at least a 10$ loss in milk production. Re- 

 pellent sprays should be used immediately to protect the animals during grazing. 

 Pay particular attention to the legs and undersides when spraying. 



Caution ; Before applying insecticides, read labels carefully and follow 

 all precautions. This not only will insure personal safety, but will also eliminate 

 insecticide residue hazards. 



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This weekly report was prepared by H. B. Petty, Illinois Agricultural Ex- 

 tension Service and Illinois Natural History Survey, in cooperation with the USDA 

 Agricultural Service, Plant Pest Control Branch, from information gathered by ento- 

 mologists and cooperators who send in weekly reports from their own localities. 



HBP:bb 

 7AV6I 



