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Japanese beetles. MU Extension file photo by Jessi Dodge.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Now is the time to sign up for the University of Missouri’s Pest Monitoring Network.
The free, timely pest alerts can be an early-warning system for farmers, says MU Extension crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida.
Early detection through regular scouting and monitoring allows farmers to identify pest populations before they reach economically damaging levels. By using established thresholds and integrated pest management (IPM) principles, farmers can make informed decisions that help prevent yield loss while avoiding unnecessary insecticide applications, Valmorbida says.
The seven insect pests currently being monitored are Japanese beetle, brown marmorated stink bug, black cutworm, corn earworm, fall armyworm, true armyworm and corn leafhopper.
Extension field agronomists and faculty across the state began setting traps on March 9. They submit data weekly to the MU Integrated Pest Management website. Data highlights abundance, distribution and activity of insect pests captured in the traps.
MU Extension sends alerts through text messages and email when a certain number of insects are captured over a period of seven days.
To subscribe to alerts on monitored insects, visit the Pest Monitoring Network.