FOP IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 12, I963 



INSECT SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 13 



This is the thirteenth in a series of weekly "bulletins on the general in- 

 sect 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 impend- 

 ing 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. 



Chinch bug migrations from small grains to corn should be almost completed 

 by the end of this week (July 12-19). Chinch bugs are only numerous enough to dam- 

 age marginal rows of corn in a few fields in central and eastern Illinois. 

 / 



Apply dieldrin at 1/2 pound per acre as a barrier 2 to 3 rods wide into 

 the grain field and as far into the corn field as needed. Do not harvest the treated 

 grain until one week after treatment. Also, do not draw conclusions about the effec- 

 tiveness of dieldrin until 3 or k days after treatment. 



Grasshoppers continued to hatch in grass and legume fields, and a few 

 fields have concentrations of 'hoppers. As long as there is sufficient food for 

 the 'hoppers, they will remain in these fields. But if defoliation occurs or the 

 hay is cut, the 'hoppers will migrate in search of food. Soybeans, corn or any 

 other green food will be attacked. Inspect hay fields for the presence of grass- 

 hoppers. 



For pasture or hay crops, use 3 A pound of sevin, 1 pound malathion, 3/h 

 pound dibrom or 1/2 pound diazinon per acre. Sevin does not require any waiting 

 period between application and grazing or cutting for hay, but with malathion allow 

 a 7-day interval and with dibrom a i^-day interval. Diazinon may be used on alfalfa 

 provided a 7-day waiting period is observed. 



For areas that will not be grazed or used for hay, such as fence rows, 

 ditch banks, roadsides, diverted acres, etc., use 1/8 pound of dieldrin or 1 1/2 

 pounds of toxaphene to control grasshoppers. 



Sevin, dieldrin and toxaphene kill grasshoppers slowly, so do not evaluate 

 results for 2 to h days after treatment. These materials provide kill for several 

 days after application, and results have been excellent. Diazinon, dibrom and mal- 

 athion provide a high initial kill of 'hoppers (within the first day) but little 

 kill after that time. Control has been good with these latter materials. 



Blister beetles were observed in localized spots in soybeans. The foliage 

 was being eaten, but the blossoms were not yet harmed. In general the problem is 

 not serious at present, but soybeans should be watched for this pest. 



Picnic beetles , as they are called, are now emerging and will soon be a 

 nuisance in many areas. Areas that were dry in May should have fewer beetles than 

 normal, while areas having moderate moisture or above should be more heavily in- 

 fested. These beetles are about l/k inch long, shiny black, and have four yellow 

 spots on their backs. They are attracted to the odor of food. They get into the 

 food at picnics and cookouts. They swarm onto overripe or injured fruits and vege- 

 tables in gardens. 



