Life Sciences Commons^™

Nf97-327 A Guide To Grasshopper Control In Yards And Gardens, Gary L. Hein, John B. Campbell, Ronald C. Seymour

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses grasshopper damage to yards and gardens, strategies to reduce the problem, and methods to achieve control.

Nf96-307 Managing The Russian Wheat Aphid With Resistant Wheat Varieties, John Thomas, Gary Hein, David D. Baltensperger, Lenis Alton Nelson, Scott Haley

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact has information on using resistant wheat varieties to control Russian wheat aphids.

Ec96-1555 Insect Pest Management Strategies For Yards And Gardens, Frederick P. Baxendale, Robert J. Wright

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

A growing awareness of problems associated with overusing pesticides has prompted many home gardeners and landscape managers to seek alternative methods of insect control. Integrated pest management (IPM) uses suitable methods in a compatible manner to maintain pest densities below levels of unacceptable injury.

IPM principles can be applied to all pest groups (insects, mites, weeds, plant diseases and vertebrates), and urban as well as agricultural settings. This publication will discuss how integrated pest management can be applied to insect and mite management in yards and gardens.

G96-1300 Insects That Feed On Corn Ears, David L. Keith, J. F. Witkowski

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

How to identify mature and immature insects that infest and damage ears of corn.

Several kinds of insects infest the developing ears of corn, raising farmers' concerns and sometimes causing economic damage. Some of these insects can reduce both yield and quality of seed corn, pop corn, sweet corn and field corn. Control decisions depend in part on the economics of the corn crop produced. In many cases, particularly in field corn where the value of the crop per acre is somewhat lower, the insects may not be sufficiently damaging to require control. The higher value of seed corn compared …

G96-1302 Managing Varroa In The Midwest, Marion D. Ellis, Frederick P. Baxendale

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

There are important regional differences in varroa population dynamics and control. This NebGuide offers recommendations on varroa management for beekeepers in the Midwest.

Varroa management has become an essential aspect of successful beekeeping since the mite was first discovered in the United States in 1987. Unlike most parasites which coexist with their host, varroa eventually destroy honey bee colonies of European descent. A good understanding of this important bee parasite is essential for successful beekeeping.

G95-1251 Biological Control Of Insect And Mite Pests, Robert J. Wright

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The advantages and disadvantages of the three forms of biological control of insect and mite pests -- classical, augmentation and conservation -- are discussed.

Biological control is the conscious use of living beneficial organisms, called natural enemies, to control pests. Biological control should be an important part of any integrated pest management program, an approach which combines a variety of pest control methods to reduce pest levels below an economic threshold. Virtually all insect and mite pests have some natural enemies. Managing these natural enemies can effectively control many pests. Often the use of insecticides or other practices can injure …

G94-1208 Managing The Alfalfa Weevil, Stephen D. Danielson, Thomas E. Hunt, Keith J. Jarvi

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The identification and life cycle of the alfalfa weevil are discussed along with scouting techniques, economic thresholds, and other integrated pest management tactics.

The alfalfa weevil is the primary insect pest of alfalfa in Nebraska. Management is essential to reduce crop losses, particularly during years when weevil infestation is high. Because there also are years when weevil damage is economically unimportant, it is necessary for growers to become familiar with sampling procedures, management guidelines, and control recommendations so control techniques are not used unnecessarily.

G94-1220 Controlling Ticks, John B. Campbell, Gustave D. Thomas

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Identification and control of ticks common to Nebraska.

Ticks are members of the same phylum (Arthropoda) of the animal kingdom as insects, but are in a different class (Arachnida). The main difference is the body of a tick is composed of only two sections while insect bodies have three sections.

There are over 800 species of ticks, 100 of which are important to man and animals because of economic losses or disease transmission. Fortunately in the United States, only about 12 species are economically important because they transmit disease organisms (viral, bacterial, protozoan, and rickettsial) or cause economic losses to …

G94-1204 Face Fly Control Guide, John B. Campbell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The face fly congregates about the eyes and nose of animals, causing annoyance and possible disease transmission. This NebGuide discusses face fly breeding and effective controls.

The face fly closely resembles the house fly except it is slightly larger and darker. Other differentiating characteristics include: 1) the abdomen of the male face fly is orange and the female has an orange stripe; the abdomen of the house fly is white or light grey and 2) the compound eyes of male face flies nearly touch but are separated in the house flies.

The persistence and habit of congregating about the eyes …

G93-1153 Stable Fly Control On Cattle, John B. Campbell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Control of stable flies in feedlots and dairy operations is covered here.

Description

The stable fly is about the size of a house fly but is dark gray and has dark irregular spots on its abdomen. The proboscis (mouthpart) protrudes bayonet-like in front of the head. The larvae are typical whitish fly maggots. The pupae are chestnut brown and about 1/4 inch long.

G93-1130 Insect Pests Of Stored Food In Kitchen And Pantry, Shripat T. Kamble, David L. Keith, James A. Kalisch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes seven of the most common insects that infest stored food products and provides prevention and control recommendations.

Finding insect-infested food products in the kitchen and pantry is relatively common in Nebraska. Dried food products that are often subject to insect infestations include: flour, cereals, cracked grains, cake mixes, crackers, powdered milk, macaroni, cured meats, dried fruits, nuts, popcorn, and spices. Other items such as pet foods, seed displays, ornamental corn, dried flower arrangements and ornaments made from plant parts may also become infested.

Insect pests most often encountered in stored food products are flour beetles; sawtoothed grain …

G93-1183 Butterfly Gardening, Dale T. Lindgren, Stephen M. Spomer, Amy Greving

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide outlines planting schemes and arrangements that will help attract butterflies to a garden area.

Butterflies can be found in almost any part of Nebraska, from the Pine Ridge's coniferous forests and across the grasslands of the Sandhills to the deciduous forests along the Missouri River. Watching butterflies, much like bird watching or observing wildflowers has become a popular and enjoyable pastime. Since many natural butterfly habitats have been lost to urbanization and other development, some environmental organizations have incorporated butterfly conservation into their programs. Many people are taking a personal interest in attracting these fascinating insects to their …

G93-1136 Potato Leafhopper Management In Alfalfa, Stephen D. Danielson, Keith J. Jarvi

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide explains how to detect and manage potato leafhoppers to minimize alfalfa damage.

The potato leafhopper is capable of causing serious damage to alfalfa in Nebraska. This insect overwinters in the gulf states and migrates northward in the spring, usually in April or early May. During the summer months, several generations develop while feeding primarily on legumes such as alfalfa and clover. Although an occasional host, soybeans rarely suffer economic damage, particularly with the pubescent (i.e. hairy) soybean varieties that are commonly grown today. Infested potatoes also can sustain economic damage from this insect. Generally, the potato leafhopper is …

G93-1145 Management Of The Army Cutworm And Pale Western Cutworm, Gary L. Hein, John B. Campbell, Stephen D. Danielson, James A. Kalisch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes the life cycle of the army cutworm and pale western cutworm, and provides recommendations for management.

The army cutworm, Euxoa auxiliaris, and the pale western cutworm, Agrotis orthogonia, are sporadic pests that are distributed throughout the Great Plains. The army cutworm can be found throughout Nebraska, but is more common in the western half of the state. Because of the drier environment, the pale western cutworm is found only in the western third of Nebraska. Both cutworms can feed on a vast array of crops and weeds. Their major economic impact is limited to winter …

G93-1167 Spider Mite Management In Corn And Soybeans, Robert J. Wright, Ronald C. Seymour, Leon G. Higley, John B. Campbell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes the two common spider mites found in Nebraska corn and soybeans, their natural enemies and management.

Two species of spider mites, the Banks grass mite and twospotted spider mite, commonly feed on Nebraska corn. Banks grass mites (BGM) feed almost exclusively on grasses, including corn and sorghum. Twospotted spider mites (TSM) not only feed on many species of grasses, but also on soybeans, fruit trees and a variety of vegetables and ornamental plants. Although these two species are somewhat similar in appearance, they differ in several biological characteristics and in their susceptibility to pesticides.

Banks grass mites …

G93-1180 Horn Fly Control On Cattle, John B. Campbell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide identifies ways to control horn flies on cattle.

The horn fly is a blood-feeder that feeds 20 to 30 times per day. A population of several thousand horn flies may be present on one animal. When large numbers of these flies are on cattle, the cattle bunch and expend considerable effort fighting the flies. They will often stand in water or seek shade trying to get relief from the flies. When they do this, they fail to graze normally.

Studies in the United States and Canada show that during the grazing season yearling cattle free from horn flies …

G93-1129 Cockroaches And Their Control, Shripat T. Kamble, David L. Keith

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide provides information on common cockroaches found in Nebraska, and management strategies, including prevention, sanitation, trapping and use of insecticides.

At the height of its popularity many years ago, millions of Americans could hum or sing the song, "La Cucaracha".... The Cockroach. But singing is usually the farthest thing from one's mind when these hardy pests become invaders.

Cockroaches are the most important insect pests in Nebraska households and public places. These insects are oval, flat-bodied, dark colored, with chewing mouth parts, three pairs of legs and usually two pairs of wings. All roaches have three stages in their …

Mp92-63 Adult Corn Rootworm Management, Lance J. Meinke

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The western corn rootworm (WCR), and the northern corn rootworm (NCR) are among the most economically important insect pests of field corn in the Unitd States. Crop losses and control expenses attributed to corn rootworms annually cost producers millions of dollars. Corn rootworm larvae can cause substantial injury to corn plants by feeding on corn roots.

This Extension circular covers these two corn rootworms, their population dynamics, management considerations, and research/emerging technologies.

Mp92-64 The Stable Fly: A Pest Of Humans And Domestic Animals, Gustave D. Thomas, Steven R. Skoda

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Many species of flies are pests. Many people, if you were to ask them about flies, would be at least vaguely aware of the potential to flies to transmit disease organisms. But yet, for the most part, a fly is a fly is a fly. Sayings like "It must be about to rain, the house flies are biting" are still common and show a general need for more, readily accessible information, particularly about some of the pest flies.

Stable flies, obligate blood-feeders, are very important pests to the cattle industry and, at times, are pests to other groups (they're most …

G92-1108 Evaluating Corn Rootworm Soil Insecticide Performance, J. F. Witkowski, Lance J. Meinke, Gary L. Hein, Keith J. Jarvi

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication describes a technique used to evaluate the relative performance of insecticides in protecting corn roots from feeding damage by corn rootworm larvae.

Insecticides applied at planting or cultivation time are commonly used in continuous corn to protect the roots from damage by western and northern corn rootworms.

Measuring the relative performance of these insecticides in protecting corn roots from rootworm larval damage is important.

G92-1094 Controlling External Swine Parasites, John B. Campbell, Barbara Straw

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Mixing, safety, restrictions, and precautions for insecticides used to control external swine parasites.

Hog Lice and Mange Mites

External parasites of swine include the hog louse and two species of mange mites (the common itch mite and the less common hog follicle mite). Excessive scratching and rubbing by pigs nearly always indicate an infestation of hog lice or mange mites.

Hog lice and mange mites infest a high percentage of swine slaughtered at Midwest slaughter plants.

G92-1104 Getting Started In Beekeeping, Marion D. Ellis, Frederick P. Baxendale

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide provides information on beginning beekeeping in Nebraska.

Beekeeping in Nebraska

There are approximately 700 beekeepers in Nebraska operating about 115,000 colonies of bees. Annual honey production in the state ranges from 5 to 11 million pounds depending on weather conditions and available flora. The honey from each area is a unique blend of nectars from the available flora. In a good area under favorable conditions, a properly managed colony can produce 100 pounds or more of honey. The six-year average (1986-1991) for honey production per colony in Nebraska is 75 pounds.

Of far greater importance is the role …

G91-1026 Sunflower Production In Nebraska, James A. Schild, David D. Baltensperger, Drew J. Lyon, Gary L. Hein, Eric D. Kerr

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Seeds, seedbed preparations, fertilizing and controlling weeds in sunflowers are among the topics covered here. Sunflowers are native to Nebraska. Cultivated for centuries by native American Indians as a food crop, sunflowers were taken to Europe in the mid-16th century. Oilseed sunflowers have been a U.S. crop since 1986. Sunflower production is divided into two market classes, oil and confectionery. The oil type is by far the most commonly grown market class. Recent health trends have brought sunflower cooking oil into prominence because the oil is low in saturated fats. Confectionery types are grown for the edible roasted sunflower seed …

Ec91-1554 European Corn Borer Larval Size Card

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This extension circular shows the following statistics of the European Corn Borer Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner): larval instar, body length range, prothoracic shield width, and head capsule width. The larva shown is larger than life size.

G91-1061 Conserving Water In The Landscape, Don Steinegger, Frederick P. Baxendale, Garald L. Horse, Dale T. Lindgren

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Conserve water in a landscape by following a prescribed sequence in designing and managing the site.

Beauty and utility traditionally have been the purposes of home landscapes. Because water -- in both quality and quantity -- is becoming a limited resource, conservation has become a third goal. The homeowner can achieve all three by using careful, comprehensive planning.

You can reduce water consumption by 40-80 percent by following an appropriate sequence in designing and managing your site.

Ec91-2503 Management Of Fabric Pests, Shripat T. Kamble

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The common fabric destroying insects in Nebraska are clothes moths, carpet beetles, and silverfish. Clothes moths and carpet beetles feed on and digest wool, leather, cotton, silk, and synthetic fibers. They generally infest clothes, carpets, rugs, upholstery, etc. Silverfish feed principally on paper products, glue, paste, wallpaper, starch, and any food products consumed by humans. They also damage clothing, cotton, linen, rayon and ramie fabrics.

This extension circular explains these insects and the proper ways of eliminating them in your household.

G91-1022 Guide To Growing Houseplants, Don Steinegger, Frederick P. Baxendale, John E. Watkins

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Proper care can extend houseplants' lives. This NebGuide offers hints on conditioning, light, fertilizing and more.

Many people enjoy houseplants; in fact, raising them is one of the fastest growing indoor hobbies. Caring for houseplants offers opportunities for people who like to work with living things and watch them develop. Today, houseplants are an integral part of indoor decor -- especially in winter.

An artificial indoor environment often hinders plant development. High temperatures, low humidity, lack of sunlight, poor soil conditions, and improper watering contribute to most houseplant problems. In addition, insects or plant diseases occasionally damage houseplants.

While plants …

G91-1023 Insects That Attack Seeds And Seedlings Of Field Crops, Stephen D. Danielson, Robert J. Wright, Gary L. Hein, Leroy Peters, James A. Kalisch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses how to identify and control eight insects that feed on planted seeds and seedlings.

Planted seeds of field crops can attract several kinds of insects. In many cases, the insects do not cause enough damage to justify control procedures. However, under some conditions seed pests may be very destructive. Seed that is slow to germinate and establish is more likely to be damaged. Situations such as first-year crops following sod or pasture, ecofallow, or reduced tillage/heavy crop residue conditions have a good chance for seed/seedling damage. Consider grower experience and past pest problems when deciding about individual …

G91-1062 Termites (Revised March 2002), Shripat T. Kamble

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide provides information on biology and control of subterranean termites.

Termites feed on wood and serve an important function in nature by converting dead trees into organic matter. Unfortunately, the wood in buildings is equally appetizing to termites and they cause serious damage to residential and commercial buildings. Two species of subterranean termites are found in Nebraska and both species have similar habitats.

Ec91-1556 Subterranean Termites And Their Control, Shripat T. Kamble

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Termite damage to residential and commercial buildings in the U.S. costs more than $1 billion annually. Subterranean termites, the most destructive of all termite species, account for 95% of the damage. Subterranean termites occur in every state except Alaska. Two subterranean termite species, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) and R. tibialis Banks, are found in Nebraska. Control of these termites costs more than $1 million each year.