As a result, most problems with these insects in strawberries occur the first few years out of sod. Wireworm adults are elongate, slender, hard-shelled beetles that take their name from their habit of flipping into the air with a noticeable clicking sound when they are placed on their backs. Eggs are deposited in the soil and hatch in a few days to a few weeks. Larvae feed on the roots and crowns of various plants. Up to 5 years may be required to reach maturity, depending on the species.
Winter is spent in the soil as larvae or adults, with new adults emerging in the spring.
Refer to NebGuide G92-1085, White Grubs in Turf , for descriptions and life history information on white grubs. Damage from wireworms and white grubs results from larval feeding on the root systems which causes weakened or dead plants. If possible, avoid planting strawberries in soil that has recently been in sod. Clean cultivation of the garden area may reduce its attractiveness to egg-laying adults. There are no registered materials available to the homeowner for wireworm or white grub control in strawberries.