-2- 



Blister beetles are numerous this year. The larvae (immature stage) feed 

 on grasshopper eggs, and their food supply was abundant this year. 



Corn borer pupation has begun in central Illinois. This start is earlier 

 than normal and a few borer moths may be laying eggs in about 10 days to two weeks. 



Leafhoppers are damaging alfalfa in western Illinois north of St. Louis 

 and south of Galesburg. The yellowing and stunting of alfalfa is caused by the feed- 

 ing of these tiny green insects. After damage becomes evident, control of leaf- 

 hoppers will not help the plants recover because the stunting is caused by the toxic 

 effect of the leafhopper feeding. After the hay is cut, adults usually migrate, and 

 the third growth of alfalfa will be normal. 



Face flies are definitely becoming more abundant. For dairy cattle, brush 

 DDVP sirup bait on the foreheads each morning in a strip about 1 inch wide and 

 6 inches long. The same bait can be further diluted with water so that it will pass 

 through a small hand sprayer. Hold the hand sprayer about 1 foot from the cow's 

 head, and apply l/5 of an ounce (l to 2 strokes) to each animal after the morning 

 milking. Loose-housed cattle are more difficult to treat, but good control can be 

 obtained by spraying twice the amount on the sides and backs of these animals. 



For beef cattle, use backrubbers charged with 5.0$ toxaphene, preferably 

 in a mineral oil base, although a No. 2 fuel oil can also be used. Place the back- 

 rubber where it will get the most use. Allow 30 days between treatment and slaughter 

 of beef animals treated with toxaphene. Do not use toxaphene on dairy cattle. 



Caution : Before applying insecticides, read the labels carefully and 

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

 eliminate insecticide residue hazards. 



FOR THE INFORMATION OF DAILY NEWSPAPERS, particularly in areas where 

 Japanese beetles are present. We have had several requests for pictures of Japanese 

 beetles and methods of identifying them. Drs. H. H. Ross and M. W. Sanderson of the 

 Insect Identification Section of the Illinois Natural History Survey are preparing 

 an article with pictures on identification of the Japanese beetle, as well as its 

 life history and feeding habits. You should receive this within the next week. 



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 Research Service, Plant Pest Control Branch, from information gathered 

 by entomologists and cooperatorc who send in weekly reports from their own localities. 



HBPrdl 

 7/13/62 



