Many species. Yellow to white, dark heads and tails. Slender 1/2 to 1 and 1/2 inches long when fully grown. Resemble a jointed wire.
Beans, carrot, beet, celery, lettuce, onion, sweet potato, turnip, and mustard.
Puncture and tunnel stems, roots and tubers.
Throughout United States, particularly in irrigated lands of western states.
Avoid planting vegetables in infested soil and in areas that were recently in sod.
Wireworms are attracted to carrots. These may be used to catch the insects. Plant nearly full grown carrots every 3 feet in the garden. Every 2 to 3 days pull up the carrots, remove and kill the wireworms and replace the carrot. Pieces of potato may also be effective.
For Control on Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Collards, Sweet Corn, Cucumbers, Endive, Kale, Lettuce, Lima Beans, Muskmelons, Onions, Parsley, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, and Snap Beans: Apply 5% diazinon granules at the rate of 7-14 ounces per 500 square feet and mix into the soil to a depth of 4-8 inches. For control of wireworms on sweet corn, apply 7-15 ounces per 500 square feet in a broadcast application. Mix into soil to a depth of 4-8 inches.
For Control on Beans, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Sweet Corn, Cucumbers, Endive, Lettuce, Melons, Onions, Parsnips, Peas, Peppers, and Potatoes: 4% diazinon dust, apply at the rate of 1/2 pound per 225 square feet. Four percent diazinon dust should be applied evenly as a broadcast treatment. Immediately after the dust is spread, it should be mixed thoroughly into the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches.
For Control on Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Sweet Corn, Lettuce, Peas, and Snap beans: 25% diazinon emulsifiable concentrate, apply 6 ounces of the concentrate insecticide per 1,000 sq. feet in sufficient water to achieve thorough coverage. Apply broadcast and work into the soil immediately just prior to planting.
Notice: Because pesticide labels can change rapidly, you should read the label directions carefully before buying and using any pesticides. Regardless of the information provided here, you should always follow the latest product label when using any pesticide. If you have any doubt, please contact your local Extension agent or pesticide dealer for the latest information on pesticide label changes.
Disclaimer: Commercial products named on this site are for informational purposes only. Virginia Cooperative Extension does not endorse these products and does not intend discrimination against other products which also may be suitable.