University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Extension Publications

Know how. Know now.

Insects & Pests


FIELD CROP INSECTS


A Guide to Grasshopper Control in Cropland, G1627
Grasshoppers primarily damage wheat, alfalfa, soybeans and corn but can feed and seriously damage almost any crop, tree, shrub and/or home garden during years of high population. This guide provides information on the life cycle of the grasshopper and cropland damage control measures.

Alfalfa Insect II, EC1577
Photos and identification information for insect pests of alfalfa in Nebraska, including the pea, spotted alfalfa, cowpea, and blue alfalfa aphids; potato leafhopper; and plant bug. The first of two publications on this topic. Copies are available from local Extension offices. Cost: $1.

Alfalfa Insects I, EC1576
Photos and identification information for insect pests of alfalfa in Nebraska, including alfalfa weevil; clover leaf weevil; blister beetles; army, variegated and dingy cutworms; alfalfa caterpillar, and the green cloverworm. The first of two publications on this topic. Copies are available from local Extension offices. Cost: $1.

Beneficial Insects I, EC1578
Photos and identification information for beneficial insects of Nebraska crops, including minute pirate bug, damsel bug, green lacewing, spined soldier bug, brown lacewing, big-eyed bug, and assassin bug. The first of two publications on this topic. Copies are available from local Extension offices. Cost: $1.

Beneficial Insects II, EC1579
Photos and identification information for beneficial insects of Nebraska crops, including lady beetles, ground beetles, flower fly, ichneumonid wasp, braconid wasp, phytoseid mite, and the tachinid fly. The second of two publications on this topic. Copies are available from local Extension offices. Cost: $1.

Biological Control of Insect and Mite Pests, G1251
The advantages and disadvantages of the three forms of biological control of insect and mite pests -- classical, augmentation and conservation -- are discussed.

Cereal Aphids, G1284
Identification and general discussion of the cereal aphid species most commonly found in Nebraska small grains, corn, sorghum and millet.

Chinch Bug Management, G806
The life cycle and control of the chinch bug is discussed, with descriptions of possible management options.

Common Stalk Borer in Corn, G521
The life history and appearance of common stalk borers is described, along with information on damage they can cause, economic injury levels and ways to control them in corn.

Corn Blotch Leafminer, G1635
This NebGuide describes the biology of the usually uncommon pest of corn, corn blotch leafminer.

Corn Cutworms, G1153
Cutworms -- identification of specific cutworms, conditions favoring infestations, potential damage and control.

Corn Insect Quick Reference Guide, EC1562
This publication provides abbreviated information on economically important corn and insect pests found in Nebraska. It is organized into early-season and late-season categories. It provides a brief description of the insect, damage symptoms, incidences, sampling schemes and economic thresholds (if available) for each pest. Additional information can be found at UNL's Department of Entomology Web site, http://entomology.unl.edu, and in UNL's Crop Watch, http://crop watch.unl.edu.

Corn Insects I, EC1572
Photos and identification information for insect pests of corn in Nebraska, including European corn borer, western bean cutworm, corn earworm, black cutworm, armyworm, fall armyworm, and common stalk borer. The first of two publications on this topic. Copies are available from local Extension offices. Cost: $1.

Corn Insects II, EC1573
Photos and identification information for insect pests of corn in Nebraska, including western and northern corn rootworms, seed corn maggot, wireworm, southern corn leaf beetle, corn leaf aphid, twospotted spider mite, banks grass mite, corn flea beetle; white grub, chinch bugs and seed corn beetle. The second of two publications on this topic. Copies are available from local Extension offices. Cost: $1.

First Generation European Corn Borer Scouting and Treatment Decisions, G1782
The decision to treat for European corn borer is complex and affected by many variables such as weather, plant maturity, borer survival and development, anticipated corn prices, insecticide efficacy, and costs versus anticipated returns. This publication discusses the factors growers need to consider when assessing the need for control of first generation European corn borer in non-Bt corn.

Grasshopper Identification Guide for Cropland Grasshoppers - Summer Feeding Species, EC1569
Photos and descriptions to identify the major summer feeding grasshopper species in Nebraska cropland. Also includes biology and management as well as illustrations to identify the growth stage of nymphs.

Grasshoppers of Nebraska, EB3
This field guide to Nebraska grasshoppers includes color plates, species descriptions, coverage maps and more.

Hessian Fly on Wheat, G1923
This NebGuide describes the lifecycle and management of the Hessian fly, including risk reduction with planting date, volunteer control and resistant varieties.

Insects That Attack Seeds and Seedlings of Field Crops, G1023
This NebGuide discusses how to identify and control eight insects that feed on planted seeds and seedlings.

Insects That Feed on Corn Ears, G1300
This NebGuide discusses how to identify mature and immature insects that infest and damage ears of corn.

Management of Blister Beetles in Alfalfa, G1645
Blister beetles can be a grave risk to horses. This publication describes the symptoms of poisoning from blister beetles and how it might be prevented.

Management of Greenbugs in Sorghum, G838
This NebGuide describes the identification, biology and management options for greenbugs in Nebraska sorghum.

Management of the Army Cutworm and Pale Western Cutworm, G1145
The life cycle of the army cutworm and pale western cutworm and recommendations for management are provided in this NebGuide.

Managing the Alfalfa Weevil, G1208
The identification and life cycle of the alfalfa weevil are discussed, along with scouting techniques, economic thresholds and other integrated pest management tactics.

Potato Leafhopper Management in Alfalfa, G1136
Detecting and managing potato leafhoppers to minimize alfalfa damage is the focus of this NebGuide.

Resistance Management for European Corn Borer and Bt Transgenic Corn: Refuge Design and Placement, G1668
Factors to consider when designing resistance management refuges; includes sample field refuge designs.

Second Generation European Corn Borer Scouting and Treatment Decisions, G1783
The decision to treat for European corn borer is complex and affected by many variables, such as weather, plant maturity, borer survival and development, anticipated corn prices, insecticide efficacy, and costs versus anticipated returns. This publication discusses the factors growers need to consider when assessing the need for control of second generation European corn borers in non-Bt corn.

Soybean Insect II, EC1575
The second of a two-part series, this publication features photos and identification information for major insect pests of Nebraska soybean. Access online or order print copies of this two-page EC from your local Extension office.

Soybean Insects I, EC1574
The first of a two-part series, this publication features photos and identification information for major insect pests of Nebraska soybean. Access online or order print copies of this two-page EC from your local Extension office.

Spider Mite Management in Corn and Soybeans, G1167
This NebGuide decribes the two common spider mites found in Nebraska corn and soybeans, their natural enemies and management.

Sunflower Head Moth Management, G1626
Commercial sunflowers in and around Nebraska can be severely damaged by sunflower head moth. Pest monitoring is important to control the damage.


HOUSEHOLD PESTS


Carpenter Ant Management, G1738
The biology and behavior of carpenter ants, along with the methods used to control them, are detailed in this NebGuide.

Crickets and Their Management, G486
The six species of crickets found in Nebraska are nuisance pests but can damage fabrics, gardens and crops. This publication provides information to identify these crickets and their biology, damage and control.

Fate of Insecticides Used for Termite Control in Soil, G1260
Factors affecting the fate and persistence of termiticides in soil are discussed.

Fleas and Their Management, G717
Flea biology and solving flea problems in the home and with pets and/or humans are covered in this guide.

How to Select a Pest Control Company, G1647
Information on considerations made before hiring a commercial pest control company are covered in this NebGuide.

Low Toxic Cockroach Control, G1523
How to identify common cockroach species, what they need to survive, and effective, low-toxic alternatives to chemical control.

Termites, G1062
Biology and control of subterranean termites


LIVESTOCK


A Guide for Managing Poultry Insects, G954
This NebGuide identifies the major insect pests of Nebraska's poultry population and provides treatment recommendations.

A Guide for the Control of Flies in Nebraska Feedlots and Dairies, G355
Flies, especially stable and house flies, can create serious and costly problems for feedlot and dairy operations. This NebGuide describes several methods for control.

Cattle Grub Control in Nebraska, G409
The cattle grub growth cycle and treatments, as well as warnings and restrictions, are described in this NebGuide.

Controlling External Swine Parasites, G1094
Mixing, safety, restrictions and precautions for insecticides used to control lice, mange and flies in swine are described in this NebGuide.

Dairy Cattle Insect Management, G1141
Information on controlling flies, lice, grubs and mange mites on dairy cattle.

Face Fly Control Guide, G1204
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.

Horn Fly Control on Cattle, G1180
Horn flies are an aggrevating pest. This NebGuide describes various controls used and their effectiveness on cattle.

Horse Insect Control Guide, G950
This NebGuide identifies insects that bother horses and recommends treatment options.

House Fly Control Guide, G958
This NebGuide provides background on house flies, including reproduction habits, and suggests methods of control.

Lice Control on Cattle, G1112
Cattle lice identification and control, as well as life cycle, are discussed in this NebGuide.

Nebraska Management Guide for Arthropod Pests of Livestock and Horses, EC1550
Management suggestions and labeled insecticides for treating arthropod pests of cattle, horses, sheep and goats

Sanitation for Fly and Disease Management at Confined Livestock Facilities, G1175
Techniques on handling problems resulting from stable flies and houseflies in the confined livestock unit.

Sheep and Goat Insect Management, G1142
Managing the various insects that feed on sheep and goats requires identification and knowledge of several species. This guide explains the species, their growth patterns, how they affect their animal hosts and how they can be effectively treated.

Stable Fly Control on Cattle, G1152
Stable fly control in feedlots and dairy cattle is covered in this NebGuide.


ORNAMENTALS & TREES


Bagworms, G1951
This NebGuide discusses management and control of the bagworm, a feeder on coniferous plants and on many deciduous trees and shrubs.

Butterfly Gardening, G1183
Butterflies and their relatives and the plants that will help attract them to a garden.

Lady Beetles of Nebraska, EC1780
Farmers, gardeners and/or amateur naturalists can better understand and identify lady beetles found in Nebraska with this guide.

Pesticide Selection Guide for Insects and Mites Affecting Woody Ornamentals and Herbaceous Perennials in Nebraska, EC1566
This guide covers principles of integrated pest management, insect and mite control recommendations, and insecticide/miticide information for woody ornamentals and herbaceous perennials in Nebraska.


OTHER PESTS


A Guide to Grasshopper Control in Yards and Gardens, G1633
Only four grasshopper species are liable to cause damage in yards and gardens, but the potential for damage increases as summer progresses. This guide provides information on the life cycle of the grasshopper and yard and garden damage control strategies and measures.

A Guide to Grasshopper Control on Rangeland, G1630
This NebGuide discusses effects of grasshoppers on rangeland, how to manage rangeland to minimize grasshopper impact, how to monitor grasshopper populations, and how to select and apply insecticides registered for grasshoppers when control measures are needed.

Biology and Management of Potato Insects, EC1565
Identification, biology and management of common insect pests of potatoes in Nebraska.

Controlling Ticks, G1220
This NebGuide identifies ticks common to Nebraska and describes methods of control.

Grasshopper Identification Guide for Rangeland and Pasture - Summer Feeding Species , EC1568
Photos and descriptions to identify the major summer feeding grasshopper species in Nebraska range and pastures. Also includes biology and management as well as illustrations to identify the growth stage of nymphs.

Grasshopper Identification Guide for Rangeland Grasshoppers - Fall/Spring Feeding Species, EC1567
Photos and descriptive details to aid in the identification of the major summer feeding grasshopper species in Nebraska range and pastures. Also includes biology and management as well as illustrations to identify the growth stage of nymphs.

Horse Insect Control Guide, G950
This NebGuide identifies insects that bother horses and recommends treatment options.

Stinging Wasps and Bees, G1447
This NebGuide contains information on identifying and managing stinging wasps and bees as well as the symptoms and treatment of stings.


TURF


Chinch Bugs in Buffalograss and Zoysiagrass Turf, G1952
This guide discusses the biology and management of the chinch bug, and its impact on buffalograss and zoysiagrass.

Management of Japanese Beetle Adults, G1623
This NebGuide describes Japanese beetle adults and how to minimize their damage.

Managing Ants on Golf Courses, G1959
On golf courses, field ant mounds disrupt play and their underground tunneling damages turf stands. Learn more about the problem and chemical control options.

White Grubs in Turf, G1619
White grubs are destructive lawn pests that destroy the roots of turf. If detected early, the pests can be controlled and damage prevented.