Larvae of the eastern field wireworm, Limonius agonus , may damage potatoes planted continuously in light sandy soils. Continued cultivation encourages this species. Fields found infested after growth has begun may be harvested as early as practical to avoid further damage. The presence of wireworms in soil may be detected with baits, such as a cut potato, a mixture of untreated wheat and corn seeds, or rolled oats, buried a few inches deep in the soil, marked with a flag, then dug up 2-3 weeks later. If present in large numbers, they may also be visible when the soil is turned over.
Wireworms are difficult to control with available insecticides.