Insects

Cattle drinking from pond — Nitrates and blue-green algae are two main concerns of water quality for livestock in Nebraska, and while not as common, salinity can also be an issue.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Forage, Insect and Water Quality Issues for Grazing Livestock

July 9, 2024

Extension educators review common issues for producers to bear in mind as livestock graze throughout the summer, including prussic acid, horn flies and face flies, and water contamination.

This Week on N Field: Insect Survival After Polar Vortex

February 1, 2024

What impact did the polar vortex have on those troublesome agricultural insects that are taking a winter nap? Nebraska Extension Educator Amy Timmerman weighs in.

Cattle in snow — While water demands in the winter may be less than summer, keeping water available can be difficult. Having animals eat snow may be tempting but requires an experienced herd, plenty of fresh snow and healthy animals.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Winter Insect Mortality and Livestock Water Needs

January 16, 2024

Extension educators review the effects of subzero temperatures on overwintering insects and whether snow can adequately be used as a water source for cattle.

Troy Anderson in university lab — A research team that included Husker entomologist Troy Anderson has discovered a potential breakthrough in combating the Varroa mite, a parasite whose spread of viruses can trigger catastrophic losses of honey bee colonies. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing)

Research Boosts Honey Bee Protection Against Deadly Viruses

August 25, 2023

The research team, which includes Husker entomologist Troy Anderson, has identified a drug treatment that stimulates and dramatically strengthens honey bees’ immune systems.

Soybean Aphid Scouting and Management

August 2, 2023

Soybean aphids in Nebraska typically reach the economic threshold and require treatment in late July through August. Treatment during this time is usually enough to keep aphid populations from resurging before they leave fields for the season.

Watch for Aphids in Corn

July 27, 2023

Aphids cause the greatest amount of injury while they are feeding within the whorl prior to tassel emergence. Treatment may be needed if pollination is no more than half complete and more than half of the corn tassels are covered with aphids.

Spring Miller Moth Invasion

May 23, 2023

While they don't cause damage to plants when feeding, migrating army cutworm moths can be an irksome household pest. Fortunately, there are simple management methods to prevent them from entering homes and other structures.

Aphid mummies on leaf — Figure 1. Aphid mummies in south central Nebraska alfalfa field. (Photo by Andrew Cantrell)

What is This Insect?

April 14, 2021

A very common sight in Nebraska, aphid mummies are a small but important insect for local crops. Find out what they are and why they matter.

Explore Tags