Pest Control

Spotted cucumber beetle management urged in Illinois

There seems to be a larger number of striped and spotted cucumber beetles this year in Illinois compared to previous years. It is important to control these beetles as they transmit the pathogen that causes... more »

What’s the best method to scare birds from sweet corn?

Scaring birds out of sweet corn and other crops is not new, based on the centuries-old placement of scarecrows dressed in old clothes (oftentimes filled with straw) in fields. However, there are many newer methods... more »

Potential spotted lanternfly introduction in California target of quarantine

A state exterior quarantine was declared July 16 to prohibit the introduction of the spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, into California. Spotted lanternfly was first detected in North American in 2014 in Pennsylvania and has now... more »

USDA ARS, collaborators show technology to treat plant pathogens and pests

USDA Agricultural Research Service announced July 14 that they have found an innovative way to treat pathogens (harmful bacteria) and pests in citrus trees, potato and tomato plants without the use of antibiotics. In collaboration... more »

MSU Department of Entomology to be led by Hannah Burrack

Hannah Burrack, has been named chairperson for the Department of Entomology in the College of Natural Resources at Michigan State University. The appointment in the Department of Entomology in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan... more »

Mating disruption products availability, practice grows

More types of agricultural pheromones available in the market for an increasing number of pests give growers options for pest control. Mating disruption products confuse and distract insect pests from procreation using artificial pheromones linked... more »

Strategies for sap beetle management in sweet corn shared

Although there are many species of sap beetles only several commonly become pests in agricultural crops. Of these, the dusky sap beetle, Carpophilus lugubris, is the most common sap beetle pest of sweet corn. Eliminating rotting... more »

New guide helps organic growers battle burrowing rodents

Burrowing rodents can cause extensive and expensive damage to orchards and crop fields. To manage the pests without chemicals used on conventional farms, organic growers can consult a new publication from University of California Agriculture... more »