Soil insect problems are effectively reduced. If seedcorn maggots pose a problem, they can be handled with an insecticide seed treatment. Wireworms and white grubs may be present in stable environments where fields have been in sod for several years. A soil insecticide as lorsban or counter should be used at planting corn in established sod. Corn fields, which receive heavy applications of animal manure, can develop populations of white grubs.
White grubs can feed on corn roots and cause stunted or weakened plants.
Products listed above will control this pest. Where field corn is continuously grown in a field, potential problems with corn rootworms exist. If information on corn rootworm is available to aid in making a control decision, a soil insecticide as counter or lorsban should be used at planting. If soil insects are potential problems, homeowners should consider applying diazinon granular or liquid in furrow or broadcast incorporated for their control. Soil insects may include white grubs, wireworms, corn rootworms, seedcorn maggots and cutworms.