Picnic beetles are invading corn silks in central and northern Illinois. They are usuallv 

 attracted to the rotting plant material in fields that have been damaged by other insects. 

 Ve doubt that they are damaging pollination and do not consider them a primary pest of 

 ;orn. Under certain conditions, they may feed on ear tips that have been exposed. 



Voollybear caterpillars of various colors may soon be found feeding in the silks or on the 

 Leaves . Thus far they have never been of economic importance. 



SOYBEAN INSECTS 



j ras shoppers seem to have survived the earlier rains successfully and are present in some 

 legume and soybean fields. They can also be found in fence rows and ditch banks. If 

 large numbers are observed, spray marginal soybean rows and adjacent grassy areas with 

 5/4 pound of carbaryl (Sevin) or 1-1/2 pounds of toxaphene per acre. 



iOMEOWNER INSECTS 



V'e have received several inquiries from small communities about mosquito control . The 

 following control program is suggested: 



L. keep drainage ditches, roadside ditches, and storm sewers properly cleaned and drained 

 to avoid water pockets. 



2. Remove grasses, weeds, lilies, and other vegetation from along the margins (5 feet from 

 shore) of nearby ponds and lakes. Drain or fill nearby wet land areas if possible. 



Urge homeowners to eliminate standing water in their yards in such places as eaves, 

 troughs, old tires, tin cans, children's toys, and like places. 



Spray tall grasses, weeds, and shrubbery in and around the community with malathion to 

 eliminate adult mosquitoes. There are many insecticides that effectively kill mosquitoes. 

 We have selected malathion first on the basis of safety and then effectiveness. It will 

 kill mosquitoes for approximately 1 to 5 days after application depending on weather, 

 and is no more toxic to man and animals than aspirin. Malathion has a somewhat notice- 

 able odor, but in the diluted form used for mosquito spraying, it should net be objec- 

 tionable . 



Malathion may be effectively applied by a conventional high-pressure sprayer, aircraft, 

 mist blower, or fogger. Plan on applying approximately 1/2 pound of actual malathion 

 per acre. 



i. Notify residents of the method, date, and time of application. Do not apply malathion 

 to fish-bearing waters or water used for drinking purposes . 



irmyworms are extremely abundant in lawns in some areas. Carbaryl sprays can be used in 

 aid around house yards if worms are devouring the grass and becoming a general nuisance, 

 'o not spray if worms are mature. 



; 'icnic beetles are nuisances when they visit your picnic table. They also invade gardens 

 here they attack fruits and vegetables damaged by weather or other insects. Thev partic- 

 ilarly like to penetrate ripe tomatoes with growth cracks. 



