Wireworms

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Wireworm Life StagesWireworm Life Stages

Wireworm Feeding in Tobacco PlantWireworm Feeding in Tobacco Plant

Wireworm Feeding Damage on Sweet PotatoWireworm Feeding Damage on Sweet Potato

Wireworm Feeding Damage on CantaloupeWireworm Feeding Damage on a Cantaloupe

HOSTS

  • Asparagus
  • Brassicas
  • Corn
  • Cucurbits
  • Leafy Greens
  • Legumes
  • Potato
  • Root Crops
  • Sweet Potato

DESCRIPTION

Adults are known as click beetles (a hinge-like mechanism between the thorax and abdomen creates a clicking noise) with a black to brown hard-shell body.
Larvae are wiry with a light brown, slightly hard, elongate body.

BIOLOGY

Egg | Larva | Pupa | Adult
Click beetles are present throughout the season. The number of generations vary. Adults overwinter in the soil.

  • Adults emerge in late April to early May in northern Utah.
  • Inspect the soil surface for wireworms after plowing or disking fields.
  • Baits (carrots, untreated corn or wheat seed, ground whole wheat four) can be used to detect wireworm larvae. Place two bait stations per acre, 4-6 inches deep in the soil, when soil temperatures are at 50°F and check for wireworms just prior to planting.

SYMPTOMS

Larvae tunnel through germinating seeds, roots, and other below ground plant parts. Tunneling degrades the quality of root crops and seedlings may be killed.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

Wireworm injury is uncommon, but there have been a few problems in Utah. Once present in a field, wireworms can be difficult to eradicate.

  • Crop rotation.
  • Remove dead plants and tubers throughout the season and at harvest.
  • Maintain healthy soils.















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