About IPM Pest Monitoring Network
Monitoring for Pest Outbreaks is a Cornerstone of IPM
Rather than calendar-based treatments, IPM stresses scouting practices to detect pests and determine if action is necessary. Time constraints and the lack of trained, competent personnel challenge pest control managers for implementing a sound scouting program. If damage can be detected prior to firm establishment of a pest population, then several problems can be prevented. For example, spider mite populations have been shown to decline below economically damaging populations with rainfall. Such an event will negate the use of a pesticide or other control measure. If pesticides will be applied, lower than maximum registered rates may be applied to achieve acceptable levels of control. There are several practical considerations that can be taken to save time in a scouting program. Knowing a pest’s habits and habitat can save time in the monitoring program. For example, grain sorghum is most susceptible to corn earworm attack during the two week period following pollination. Therefore scouting for this pest should begin about one week after pollination. Wheat planted adjacent to tall fescue pastures may be especially attractive to true armyworm infestation. Such areas can be watched more frequently and closely. The anticipated time of pest development can alert the pest manager of the most opportune times of which to scout. Degree-day modeling is based on the number of days the actual average temperatures are above the minimum threshold for particular pest development and activity. By tracking degree days, pest managers can effectively pin-point the time at which they will detect pest presence and damage.
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 | Black Cutworm |
 | True Armyworm |
 | Japanese Beetle |
 | European Corn Borer |
 | Southwestern Corn Borer |
 | Western Bean Cutworm |
 | Corn Earworm |
 | Tobacco Budworm |
 | Fall Armyworm |
 | Beet Armyworm |
 | Soybean Looper |
