Kentucky IPM Pest Information Pages
Wireworms
Description
The larval stage is the destructive stage; larvae may remain in the ground up to six years feeding on roots of grasses and other plants. Most wireworm larvae are hard, smooth, and chestnut brown. They vary from 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches in length when grown. Some species are soft, and white or yellowish in color. |  |
The adults, called click beetles, become active in the spring. This is when they lay their eggs. They
are usually brown streamlined beetles, with the body tapering toward the rear. The joint between the thorax and
abdomen is loose and flexible, and, when beetles are placed on their backs, they click their abdomen against the ground to toss themselves several inches into the air and flip over.
Damage
| Although economic wireworm damage to field crops is rare, when they are a problem they can be very destructive and difficult to control. They are usually found attacking crops planted on ground that has been in sod for several years, or the second year following sod. However, wireworm populations may be reduced by half after the second year following sod. Land that has been in continuous bluegrass sod is more likely to have high numbers of wireworms than fescue sod. |
Crops attacked by wireworms have reduced plant populations, since they feed on the seeds prior to germination or just
after germination. The plant stand may continue to deteriorate, because wireworms bore into underground portions of the
stem, causing plants to wither and die. They continue to feed upon the small roots of many plants throughout the season.
IPM Techniques and Scouting Procedures
References and Additional Information