-2- 



Sod webworms are now laying eggs in lawns, and egg -laying is expected to 

 continue for some time. Successful control depends on detecting infestations early, 

 when the worms are about l/2 to 2/3 grown (1/2 inch long). It will be difficult to 

 distinguish between brown spots caused by webworms and those caused by drought. Look 

 for a gray worm with a dark brown head in the thatch of the lawn. The worms can usu- 

 ally be brought to the surface within 10 minutes by pouring a gallon of water contain- 

 ing l/k cup of detergent over a square -yard area. If one or more worms per square 

 foot (9 per square yard) are present, then treatment will be justified. 



Use carbaryl (Sevin) or diazinon as sprays or granules. Carbaryl should be 

 used at 2 pounds of actual chemical per l/k acre (10,000 sq. ft.) and diazinon at 1/2 

 pound of actual chemical per l/k acre. Use at least 20 to 25 gallons of water per 

 l/k acre when spraying. It would be advisable to wet the lawn before spraying, but do 

 not water for at least three days after spraying. Repeat treatments may be needed if 

 reinfestation occurs. 



Mosquitoes have been troublesome even with the dry weather. To reduce the 

 mosquito nuisance around your home, follow these suggestions: (l) Eliminate standing 

 water such as accumulates in eave troughs, old tires, cans, children's toys, etc. 

 (2) Spray the shrubbery and tall grass with 0.25$ malathion. To mix, use 2 teaspoon- 

 fuls of 50-57$ malathion emulsion concentrate per gallon of water. Repeat the appli- 

 cation every two to three weeks if necessary. (3) Keep screening on all doors and 

 windows in good repair. In addition, hang a plastic resin strip (2" x 10") containing 

 20$ DDVP at the rate of one strip per 1000 cubic feet, or about one per room. These 

 strips are effective for six to eight weeks. The DDVP vaporizes slowly and kills 

 mosquitoes and flies. They are safe to use around children and pets. A 0.1$ pyrethrin 

 space spray or fog may be used in the house for quick knockdown in place of the DDVP 

 resin strips. Repeat treatments will be needed with the spray, (k) When entering 

 mosquito-infested areas, apply a repellent to the exposed parts of the body. The best 

 mosquito repellent to use is DEET (diethyl toluamide). 



Fleas are causing problems to returning vacationists. The adult fleas have 

 developed from the worm stages present in dog or cat beds or resting areas. The hun- 

 gry adult fleas usually spread throughout the entire house. 



For control, treat areas where fleas occur with DDT or malathion as a dust 

 or spray. Do not use DDT where cats are present. Malathion is safe for cats. Buy 

 the special household preparation or pet spray of malathion, since regular grades of 

 malathion have an odor that may be objectionable for a short time when used indoors. 



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 a list of general precautions to use when handling and applying pesti- 

 cides, write to 280 Natural Resources Building, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illi- 

 nois, for "Safe Use of Pesticides." 



■*-*-***-**#*# 



This weekly report was prepared by H. B. Petty, Steve Moore and Clarence 

 E. White, Illinois Natural History Survey and Illinois College of Agriculture, in coop- 

 eration with the USDA Agricultural Service, Plant Pest Control Branch, from informa- 

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

 own localities. 



