Mild winter, dry conditions could cause insect problems

By Jennifer Carrico

A mild winter is a welcome sight for many people in Iowa, but it might not be such a great thing once the crops have emerged and the insects have reappeared. Or will it?

Iowa State University Extension Entomologist Erin Hodgson says that because Des Moines and many parts of the state of Iowa haven't experienced a temperature of zero degrees, it could increase the chance of insect survival. Lack of snowfall in the state as of mid-February has led to moisture concerns as well.

"Perhaps it is true, but there are many factors that influence successful overwintering and are worth strong consideration," said Hodgson.

Those factors include: insects that overwinter aboveground like the adult bean leaf beetle may be more likely to survive with fewer cold days, but lack of snow cover can expose insects to those days with below-freezing temperatures and could increase mortality compared to a year with insulating snow.

Another factor is insects that overwinter belowground like the Japanese beetle grubs will not likely be affected by a mild winter because soil temperatures are more constant.

"However, there could be more survivors than normal if the frost layer is shallow," she said.

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