Insect Pests

The elm zigzag sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda) is an invasive pest of elm trees (Ulmus spp.) that was first detected in Illinois in July 2024 in Busse Woods, Cook County. Native to parts of China and Japan, this species became established in Europe in 2003 and was first detected in the United...

The Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) is often considered the most damaging pest to U.S. corn. While the adults can cause issues in pollination through clipping silks, the most destructive life stage is the larvae, who live below ground and feed on corn roots. Larval...

Here at the Pesticide Safety Education Program, we discuss pesticide resistance topics, such as rotating pesticide chemistries, utilizing thresholds, and using non-chemical control practices such as biological or cultural control. These topics are essential in preventing pest resistance issues, but...

German cockroaches are one of the most problematic insect pests to manage. They typically infest apartment buildings and multifamily homes, which can provide refuges for the population to recover after treatments. Population recovery usually happens quickly as roaches can have up to 6 generations...

EPA release and described strategy         On July 25, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) released its draft...

Infestations of the domestic turf pest, annual bluegrass weevil (ABW), Listronotus maculicollis, have officially been identified in Northern Illinois. Historically, this insect has been a pest in highly managed turf in Mid-Atlantic states and has recently been infesting new states...

For the first time in 221 years, periodical cicada brood XIII and brood XIX will emerge at the same time! A periodical cicada emergence can be an exciting event to witness! Periodical cicadas emerge from roughly mid-May until late-June, so be ready for a wild start to summer. This is a great time...