Insect Management

The UNL Department of Entomology provides current, science-based information to meet the needs of clientele throughout the state and region. Our programs are directed at solving pressing insect pest problems and provide improved management recommendations, new insect pest management tools, and education for insect pest related issues.

chinch bugs
View Insect Light Trap Reports for 2017
  • South Central Ag Lab, Clay Center
  • Northeast Research and Extension Center, Concord
  • West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte
Nebraska Guide to Insecticides for Field Crops

Excerpted from the most recent Nebraska Extension Guide for Weed, Disease and Insect Management, these insecticide tables cover alfalfa, corn, soybean, and wheat treatments. They are reviewed and updated annually. The full 300+ page guide is available at Nebraska Extension Publications.

Handy Bt Trait Table for US Corn Production

Most corn hybrids planted in the U.S. contain one or more transgenic traits for weed or insect management. The Handy Bt Trait Table, last updated in January 2018, lists trait names and details of trait package. materials, and bag tags.

Related Articles

Grasshopper on plant leaf
While grasshoppers are considered damaging to rangeland and crops, only a handful of Nebraska’s species have been known to cause damage. Correct identification of these species’ nymphal developmental stage will improve results from insecticide applications. See the Grasshopper Pest Management page for identification resources.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Management Considerations for Grasshopper, Poison Hemlock and Yucca

June 20, 2024
Economic thresholds of grasshoppers have been observed in some Nebraska pastures — review the square foot method and insecticide options to begin scouting and control measures. 

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Western bean cutworm on corn

Degree-days for Prediction of Western Bean Cutworm Flight in 2024

June 19, 2024
Measuring the amount of heat between an upper and lower threshold to which an insect has been exposed, degree-days models can provide a high level of precision in predicting western bean cutworm peak flight.

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Leafy spurge closeup
Leafy spurge spreads aggressively and is difficult to control once established. Several herbicides are labeled for control of this weed, but continued monitoring and retreatments are necessary for best results.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Controlling Leafy Spurge and Alfalfa Weevil, Planting Warm-season Annuals

May 28, 2024
Strategies for reducing spread of leafy spurge and scouting for alfalfa weevil, plus insights on selecting and planting warm-season annuals.

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Soybean seedling damaged by pillbugs

Pillbugs Causing Injury to Soybean Crops in Nebraska

May 23, 2024
Management of pillbugs is challenging. While some insecticides and planting strategies may help control pillbug populations, producers should carefully weigh the pros and cons of each approach.

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Silage pit on farm covered with tires
Once silage is exposed to oxygen, its quality can decrease quickly. For best results, don’t expose more than three days’ worth of a pile at a time.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Retaining Silage Quality During Feedout, Grasshopper Management

May 21, 2024
Tips on retaining silage condition during feedout, planning the optimal time for grass hay harvest, and controlling grasshopper in rangeland and forages.

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