Look for
Plants may wilt due to larval root feeding. Underground
vegetables and tubers will have small burrowed tunnels. Leaves may have holes
at the edges where adults feed.
Plants affected
Roots of many garden ornamental and vegetable plants are
attacked.
About Wireworm
Wireworms are the larvae of Agriotes and Athous, species of
click beetles.
Eggs are laid below the soil between May and June.
Newly hatched larvae are very small and white.
Larvae grow to 3cm in length, and develop a tough, golden
brown skin. They have three pairs of short, stout legs.
Larvae feed on roots of plants, and burrow into tubers.
Potatoes are particularly susceptible.
The larval period can last up to four years.
Larvae move up and down in the soil depending on moisture
levels.
Pupation occurs about 30cm below the soil surface in a small
chamber.
After three to four weeks adults hatch and remain in the soil
to overwinter.
Adults emerge in summer to mate.
When overturned, click beetles propel themselves into the air
by arching their back and snapping their head back. This action makes a
clicking sound.
Treatment
Chemical
Products containing the following chemical ingredients are
all effective on Wireworm
There are no effective chemicals available for wireworm
control.
Organic
Regularly cultivate soil in spring and summer.
Early lifting of susceptible crops will minimise damage.
Encourage insectivorous birds by hanging feeders and bird
boxes.
Prevention
Inspect compost heaps for wireworms and remove any you find.
Do not plant susceptible crops in known infested areas.
Thoroughly turn soil in autumn to expose wireworms to
predators.
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