Overall caseload at the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab has remained high over the last two weeks.  A summary of recent fruit crop insects reported to the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab can be found below:

Japanese beetles: Japanese beetles remain active around Wisconsin and could remain active for another month or longer in some areas.  Overall beetle pressure seems down in most areas this year, with no reports of significant or economic damage at the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab recently.  Recent reports have primarily come in from the southern half of Wisconsin, although Japanese beetles have been gaining footholds in more northern locations as illustrated by recent reports from Polk county, Washburn & Sawyer counties, and Florence County. 

Woolly Aphids: Woolly aphids are having a good year in many parts of the state.  This group contains many species—each associated with specific types of plants.  Some species can be associated with apples and other tree fruits.  Woolly aphids tend to cause little overall damage in most cases, but may peak curiosity as the cottony adults appear to float by in the air. 

Gypsy Moth: Gypsy moths have had a strong year and the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab has been receiving reports of egg masses from around the state.  Because the eggs won’t hatch until next spring (April/May), growers with a history of gypsy moths this year have 6+ months to scout for and manage egg masses. 

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug: Reports of BMSB nymphs have increased over the last two weeks, with later instar juveniles now being spotted in southern Wisconsin.  Growers with a history of BMSB in their area should continue to monitor for activity, since this species can attack a wide range of fruit crops.

Other Stink Bugs: The IDL has recently seen an uptick in sightings of other stink bug species, including the “brown stink bugs” (Euschistus spp.) and the green stink bug (Chinavia hilaris) which can be fruit pests in mid and late summer.  The lab has also had reports of several species of beneficial/predatory stink bugs (Subfamily Asopinae) recently. 

Social Wasps: Reports of social wasps (yellowjackets, bald-faced hornets, and paper wasps) have increased dramatically over the last two weeks and will likely continue to increase over the next month.  Social wasps have “annual” colonies which are started by lone queens each spring and reach peak size in late summer, before naturally dying out in the fall.  Social wasps can be a nuisance problem and sting concern before and during harvest when they scavenge upon compromised fruits.  If problematic, careful observation may allow growers to locate and treat nests directly. 

This article was posted in Insects and tagged Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, gypsy moth, Insect Diagnostic Lab, insects, Japanese Beetles, other stink bugs, social wasps, Woolly Aphids.