Identification & Incidence: Seed or seedling stage may be attacked by yellow-brown beetle larvae exhibiting a coarse skin appearance. Injured seeds exhibit chewed cavities. Wireworm feeding at base of corn seedling will kill growing point of plants. Wireworms are most common in corn following sod, old hay fields, or equivalent grassy conditions.
Sampling & Assessment: Preplant detection of wireworms may be achieved by making 4 or 5 random digs and inspecting approximately a square foot of soil at each dig. Placement of bait traps of grain covered with black plastic also enables early detection. Preventive treatment is warranted when wireworms easily detected. Management Options: Where a field has a history of wireworms, preventive treatment with a soil insecticide is warranted (see chart). Rescue treatment of wireworms following emergence is not an option.