Infestations of wireworms tend to be more severe in crop areas following sod. Infestations may be controlled by applying insecticides listed in Table 3 at planting. White Grubs White grubs damage corn by feeding on the root system. The pruned roots cause plants to be stunted, and stand reduction may result where heavy infestations occur. Lodging and yield reductions may occur as a result of damaging infestations.
White grubs occur more frequently in corn following sod or pastures.
Control may be achieved with insecticides listed in Table 3. Damage in most fields may be prevented by early seedbed preparation to allow natural control of the worms. An insecticide application to the row when damage is first noticed will provide control. It burrows into the ground and feeds on the corn stem at or slightly below the soil surface, making a ragged hole in the stem. It is most prevalent in the low wet spots in a field or near sod areas.