-3- 



If damage has just begun and replanting is not yet indicated and the corn is big 

 enough to cultivate, a cultivator application of phorate (Thimet) might be worth 

 trying. This is only a gamble, however, in an attempt to save a stand in an emer- 

 gency situation. The chemical needs to be concentrated at the base of the plant 

 and covered with dirt by cultivation. A gentle rain immediately after application 

 is helpful. 



European corn borers . Pupation is starting in central Illinois. From the stand- 

 point of corn development, the borer is late; but by the calendar, it is almost 

 on time. This may be a year to keep an eye on both first- and second- generation 

 borers . 



FORAGE INSECTS 



Alfalfa weevils. The development of this pest has slowed down this week. Also, 

 much of the alfalfa is being cut. 



Since the first cutting has either been taken off or soon will be, chemical con- 

 trol is no longer recommended. Watch the new growth. If it does not green-up, 

 check for alfalfa weevil larvae. If they are severely damaging the new shoots, 

 use chemical control. See Report No. 7 for insecticide suggestions. 



Potato leafhoppers . These tiny, wedge-shaped, green pests can now be found as 

 adults in alfalfa fields. They are abundant in some areas. These are the "green 

 gnats" that are flying as the alfalfa is cut. They go to the new growth and de- 

 posit eggs. The young, which look like the adults but are wingless, suck sap and 

 also inject a toxin into the plant. This causes second-growth alfalfa to turn 

 yellow or purple and to be severely stunted. 



It is too late to control this pest after the symptoms are apparent. If the 

 adults are numerous, examine the new growth for tiny leafhoppers . If they are 

 abundant, a malathion or methoxychlor spray will control them. 



HOMEOWNER INSECTS 



Chiggers . They annoy campers, hikers, picnickers, fishermen, berry pickers, and 

 even homeowners in their own yard on occasion. These tiny mites cling to grasses 

 and weeds, transferring to persons who happen to brush against them. When enter- 

 ing areas that may be infested, use a repellent such as DEET (diethyltoluamide) . 

 Apply the repellent on socks, pants, pant cuffs, as well as on exposed ankles and 

 calves. Take a warm, soapy shower or bath as soon as possible after returning 

 from a chigger- infested area. It takes the mites several hours to penetrate the 

 skin; they can often be washed off before becoming imbedded. 



To reduce the number of chiggers in a home yard, spray malathion or diazinon 

 lightly over the grass, low flowers, and shrubs. Do not apply diazinon to ferns 

 or hibiscus, or malathion to cannaert red cedar. 



Fleas . Ordinarily they only annoy dogs and cats. But left uncontrolled, they can 

 become a serious problem in a home or yard by late summer. In the worm (larva) 

 stage, these fleas live in the bedding of dogs and cats, in rugs or upholstered 

 furniture, and even in the dirt in flower and shrubbery beds. The worm stage is 

 usually not noticed and is harmless, but adult fleas suck the blood of warm- 

 blooded animals. Your dog or cat is a walking bait station for fleas. During 

 the warm weather (May to October) , use a dust on them of either 4-percent 



