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Problem Solver Animal Marquee

Problem:
Wireworms

Image of Wireworms

Problem Info

Wilted and dying areas appear in the lawn. Shiny, hard, jointed, yellow to reddish-brown worms up to 1 1/2 inches long are found in the soil. Wireworms bore into roots and underground stems of grass plants, causing the tops to wilt and die. The adults, called click beetles, are about an inch long, dark gray or brown. When they fall on their backs, they right themselves with a vigorous click that pops them into the air.

Analysis

Wireworms are 1/2 to 11/2 inches long, usually hard and tan or brown, but sometimes soft and white. They prefer grass, but will feed on many garden plants and are frequently pests of vegetable gardens. Wireworms bore into roots and underground stems of grass plants, causing the tops to wilt and die. The adults, called click beetles, are about an inch long, and dark gray or brown. When they fall on their backs, they right themselves with a vigorous click that pops them into the air. Adults lay their eggs in the spring. Wireworms feed for 2 to 6 years before maturing into adult beetles, so all sizes and ages may be present in the soil at the same time. Infestations are often spotty.

Solution Advice

Wireworms feed for 2 to 6 years before maturing into adult beetles, so all sizes and ages may be present in the soil at the same time. They can be very hard to control.

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