-4- 



are generally larger. Populations are generally low, but may increase as more eggs 

 hatch. Cool, wet weather favors this pest. The situation will bear watching for 

 the next 2 to 3 weeks. 



Do not confuse the striped armyworms with the transparent yellow-to-green sawflies . 

 Sawflies were more numerous than armyworms in the wheat fields examined this week. 

 Sawflies do not damage wheat plants enough to require control. 



English grain aphids can be found in wheat, but these populations are not yet 

 alarmingT After the wheat heads appear (wheat was heading out as far north as 

 the central section this week) , it takes an average of 30 to 50 aphids per head 

 to cause measurable damage. Usually, the aphids will leave the wheat head as it 

 enters the dough stage. Many lady beetles were present; they may hold aphid pop- 

 ulations in check. 



The aerial spray-eradication program for the cereal leaf beetle was completed this 

 week, according to Mr. Thomas Lanier, Plant Pest Control Division, Agricultural 

 Research Service, USDA. The State Department of Agriculture is also cooperating 

 on this program. Technical grade malathion (9.7 pounds per gallon) was applied 

 by air at 4 fluid ounces per acre in a 2 -mile circle at each site where a few 

 cereal leaf beetles were found last July in Will, Kankakee, Iroquois, Vermilion, 

 Edgar, and Woodford counties. Over 400,000 acres were sprayed, with the hope that 

 this new insect pest can be prevented from becoming established in Illinois. 



Homeowner Insect Problems 



Mosquitoes are becoming numerous in many areas of the state. To reduce the number 

 of mosquitoes in your yard, follow these steps. (1) Eliminate standing water in 

 such places as eaves, troughs , old tires, tin cans, children's toys, storm sewers, 

 etc. (2) Apply a water-base spray containing 1-percent malathion (2 ounces of 

 50- to 57-percent liquid concentrate per gallon of water) to shrubbery and tall . 

 grass. Repeat the treatment every week or two if needed. (3) Keep the screens 

 on doors and windows in good repair. (4) Hang plastic resin strips (2" x 10") 

 containing 20-percent dichlorvos (DDVP)--one strip per 1,000 cubic feet of space, 

 or about one per room. These strips will kill mosquitoes and flies for 4 to 6 

 weeks. Hang the strips out of the reach of children and away from fish bowls and 

 food counters. Repeat treatments with 0.1-percent pyrethrum space spray- -applied 

 from a pressurized spray can- -can be used for quick knockdown in place of the 

 dichlorvos resin strips. (5) When entering mosquito-infested areas, use a repel- 

 lent. One of the most effective mosquito repellents is DEET (diethyltoluamide) . 

 (6) For quick knockdown at cookouts, outdoor parties, or picnics, use either 0.1- 

 percent pyrethrum or 0.5- to 1-percent dichlorvos (DDVP) as an oil- or water-base 

 space spray. Spray the mist lightly beneath tables and chairs and into the air 

 for a few feet around the area. Repeat the treatment as needed. 



Clothes moths and carpet beetles are getting ready for a summer's feast on improperly 

 stored woolens. A small hole chewed in a piece of clothing may destroy its entire 

 value. To keep woolens safe from damage by these insects follow these suggestions. 



1. Dry clean or wash woolens and place them in clean, plastic storage bags or other 

 insect- tight containers. 



2. Woolens that are not dry cleaned or washed should be hung in bright sunlight for 

 a full day and brushed thoroughly before storing. Pay particular attention to 

 pocket interiors, cuffs, and folds when brushing. 



