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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May k, 1962 



INSECT SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 3 



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

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

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

 cooperating agencies. These reports indicate only general trends. Check your own 

 fields to determine local conditions. 



Small spittlebugs were found this week in extreme northern Illinois. Ex- 

 amine fields of clover and alfalfa for these tiny yellow insects. Examine stems and 

 look closely "behind leaf sheaths. If the average is at least 1 nymph per stem, con- 

 sider using insecticides if you need all the hay you can produce. One spittlebug per 

 stem reduces yields of dry hay "by 200 to 300 pounds peracre. The higher the spit- 

 tlebug count, the greater the expected loss. 



If you are planning to control spittlebugs, this is the week to apply in- 

 secticides. If control is necessary, apply 1 pound of methoxychlor or l/k pound of 

 lindane per acre. Allow one week between application of methoxychlor and harvest as 

 hay or pasture, and 28 days with lindane. 



Clover leaf weevil can be controlled with the same insecticides used for 

 spittlebugs. 



Pea aphid population may "build up hut, with the moisture now generally 

 present, warm weather may favor a fungus disease that will kill the aphids. For the 

 next few weeks check legume fields for these small, green, soft-bodied insects. If 

 chemical control becomes necessary, apply 1 pound of malathion, l/k pound of parathion 

 or phosdrin or 1/8 pound of demeton per acre before severe wilting and discoloration 

 of plants occur. Allow 1 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 phos- 

 phates. 



Sweet clover weevil may attack new seedings within the next few weeks. 

 New stands of small plants can disappear within a few days when these insects migrate 

 from last year's fields which are now being plowed. If these gray weevils are notch- 

 ing the leaves and in many instances entirely consuming the tender plants, apply 

 1 1/2 pounds of DDT per acre. Do not graze dairy animals or animals being finished 

 for slaughter on DDT-treated fields. Do not treat after small grains begin to form 

 heads. 



Use of soil insecticides on corn ground apparently is going to increase 

 greatly this year. If you are applying the material broadcast, disk it in immediately 

 now that daytime temperatures are commonly above 60°. This prompt disking will min- 

 imize the loss of chemical by volatility. 



Stored grain insect control can start now. Whenever the opportunity pre- 

 sents itself from now until grain harvest, sweep out the bins and clean up grain 

 refuse around storage areas. Use a residual bin spray of 2 l/2f« methoxychlor or 

 1 1/2$ premium-grade malathion. Spray to run-off. Early treatment will provide best 

 control. 



