Over many years, UK research and demonstration plots have shown very low numbers of soil insects associated with fescue. Potential Soil Insect Problems White grubs, wireworms, and corn root aphids can reduce crop stands or slow early growth. However, recent research and demonstration plots on idle land returning to production in Kentucky have shown soil insects to be below damaging numbers. The potential for problems with soil insects in fields with strong, vigorous stands of fescue is very low. Grain sorghum, soybeans or wheat have few problems with soil insects so they are excellent crops in fields where problems are anticipated.
Corn is more susceptible to damage by wireworms, white grubs, and corn root aphids.
Dock and plantain are good host plants for corn root aphids, an abundance of them in a field increases the potential for these pests. Corn root aphid numbers can be reduced by some granular soil insecticides. There are no rescue treatments for soil insects once damage has been found. Careful selection of a crop and the use of a preventive treatment, when necessary, is the best strategy. Wireworms Bait stations for wireworms or digging soil cores to look for white grubs are ways to get an idea of soil insect pressure in a field before planting.