The relatively slow development of wireworm larvae extends the time that crops planted into an infested field will be subjected to damage. Unless wireworms are controlled, moderate to heavy damage can be expected for 2 to 3 years. Soon after planting they may eat the seed of cut off the seedlings below the ground level. A few weeks later, when the plants are larger, they will tunnel into the underground portion of the stem and cause the plant to wilt and die. After the plants are about 18 inches high, they will feed on the roots and either tunnel or scar the larger roots.
Wireworms are a major pest to potatoes.
They ruin the tubers by eating small, round tunnels. There are no practical or effective ways to control the pest after the crop is planted. The most serious problems occur in fields that previously were in grass sod for several years prior to planting. A few isolated fields in the Commonwealth have a history of wireworm problems. These fields should be monitored for wireworms either the previous fall or prior to planting in the spring.