Temperatures in the 70’s in early April helped jumpstart the accumulation of growing degree days for the year.  However, caseload at the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab remains low at this time; insect activity is expected to increase in the coming weeks.  A summary of recent fruit crop insects reported at the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab can be found below:

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs: The warmer temperatures resulted in many reports of BMSB in and around structures, especially from south central Wisconsin, southeastern Wisconsin, and the Fox River Valley areas.  After overwintering in sheltered locations, adult BMSBs head outdoors to plants for the growing season.  BMSB populations have continued to build in the state over recent years, so growers with a history of this insect should remain vigilant.

Tarnished Plant Bugs: Tarnished plant bugs have recently been reported from southern Wisconsin.  TPB adults overwinter and can become active in spring as soon as temperatures are warm enough.  This insect can be an important pest of spring strawberries, so growers should be monitoring their fields for activity.

Caterpillar Eggs: While the caterpillars might not yet be active for the year, the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab has recently had reports of egg masses of both the gypsy moth and eastern tent caterpillar.  Both of these insects can impact fruit trees.  Scouting for and removing the egg masses can be a helpful approach before the caterpillars emerge and begin feeding on foliage.

Native Bees: Many wild bee species have already become active this spring.  Growers should keep these beneficial pollinators in mind when scouting and spraying. 

This article was posted in Insects and tagged Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, caterpillar eggs, Insect Diagnostic Lab, insects, native bees, PJ Liesch, Tarnished Plant Bug.