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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 19, I963 



INSECT SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 1 



This is the first 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. It is designed to forewarn people in Illinois of im- 

 pending 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. 



European corn borer winter survival was normal in central and western 

 Illinois and below normal in northern Illinois. On the basis of this survival 

 and the overwintering borer population, corn producers in the triangular area 

 from Rock Island to Peoria to Carthage should, wherever possible, avoid early 

 planting, particularly on highly fertile soils. 



Clover leaf weevil populations are not now generally considered serious. 

 However, if weather conditions become unfavorable for rapid growth, weevils are 

 numerous enough to damage occasional fields of clover, particularly in west- 

 southwestern and western Illinois. Prolonged cool or dry periods that retard 

 growth would not permit the plants to recover from the weevil feeding. 



Where feeding is severe and plants appear stunted, an application of 

 1 l/2 pounds of methoxychlor or l/k pound of lindane per acre will control clover- 

 leaf weevils. Allow 30 days to elapse between treatment and harvest or pasture 

 when using lindane and 7 days when using methoxychlor. 



Pea aphid populations are not serious at present. Furthermore, insects 

 that feed on aphids, such as lady beetles, aphid lions and wasp parasites, have 

 been increasing in numbers earlier this year than normal. They may help hold the 

 population of aphids at a low level. 



During warm, sunny days face flies can be found in small numbers on cat- 

 tle pasturing near houses, barns, and wooded areas. Cattle near wooded areas have 

 more flies than cattle on prairie land. These flies are laying eggs that will 

 produce the first generation of flies sometime in late May. Dairymen should be- 

 gin their baiting program by using 0.2$ DDVP in corn sirup each morning for two 

 weeks as soon as flies are noticed. Killing face flies now may prevent thousands 

 from developing later. 



Spring cankerworms have started to feed on elms and a few other decidu- 

 ous trees, particularly in western Illinois. They are feeding on new leaf shoots. 

 A spray of k pounds of lead arsenate per 100 gallons of water will control these 

 pests. 



Caution : Before applying insecticides, read the labels carefully and 

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

 eliminate insecticide residue hazards. 



v v v v..v v v-.y. v v 



TMs weekly report was prepared by H. B. Petty and Steve Moore, Illi 

 nois Natural History Survey and Illinois College of Agriculture in cooperation 

 with the USDA Agricultural Service, Plant Pest Control Branch, from information 

 gathered by entomologists and cooperators who send in weekly reports from their 

 own localities. 



HBP:je 



