The Hessian fly is a potential pest of our wheat crop, though it has not caused serious losses in recent years. Adult flies emerge in the fall to lay eggs on volunteer and early-planted wheat. Larvae feed inside the plant, stunting and reducing yields.
High humidity is necessary for a significant infestation to develop.
Therefore, injury is often more severe during years of abundant rainfall. Injury can occur either in the fall or spring. Once a field becomes infested, no chemical control measures will stop the injury. Control is based entirely upon prevention and depends on good crop management. Three cultural practices are recommended to reduce or avoid Hessian fly problems.