Description of the Pest
Darkling beetle adults are from 0.13 to 0.25 inch long (3 to 6 mm) and vary from black or bluish black to rusty brown. Do not confuse beetles (Tenebrionidae) with predatory ground beetles (Carabidae), which prey on various soil dwelling pests. Darkling beetles generally have clubbed antennae whereas carabids do not. Darkling beetles may be hidden by dust or a thin layer of soil. Larvae are cylindrical, wireworm-like, soil-inhabiting worms that are light yellow to dark brown and range from 0.03 to 0.33 inch (1–8 mm) in length. They are often referred to as false wireworms.
Damage
Darkling beetles are generally not a problem unless large populations build up when the plants are in the seedling stage. Young plants may be girdled or cut off at or below the soil surface. After the plants reach a height of 5 to 6 inches, darkling beetles are usually not a problem. However, further feeding may occur on flower blossoms during bloom, on the undersides of leaves, and on the netting of mature melons. They can also bore into fruit where it rests on the ground.
Management
There are cultural control methods that can reduce darkling beetle damage.
- Keep fields and ditches free of weeds.
- Water barriers can aid in stopping migrating populations.
- Reduce organic matter in soil by fallowing.
Start monitoring for darkling beetles at fruiting. Treat whenever beetles are observed feeding on plants, flowers, or fruit. Also treat when beetles are observed moving into cucurbits or melons from fallow or alfalfa hay fields.
| Common name | Amount per acre | REI‡ | PHI‡ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Example trade name) | (hours) | (days) | ||
| Not all registered pesticides are listed. The following are ranked with the pesticides having the greatest IPM value listed first—the most effective and least harmful to natural enemies, honey bees, and the environment are at the top of the table. When choosing a pesticide, consider information relating to air and water quality, resistance management, and the pesticide's properties and application timing. Always read the label of the product being used. | ||||
| A. | CARBARYL | |||
| (Sevin 5 bait) | 20 lb | 12 | 3 | |
| MODE-OF-ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 1A | ||||
| COMMENTS: Use suitable ground or aircraft equipment that provides good distribution. Repeat application of bait may be necessary. | ||||
| B. | MALATHION | |||
| (Malathion 8-E) | 1.75 pt | 24 | See comments | |
| MODE-OF-ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 1B | ||||
| COMMENTS: Do not apply unless plants are dry. PHI on cucumber and squash is 1 day. | ||||
| ‡ | Restricted entry interval (REI) is the number of hours (unless otherwise noted) from treatment until the treated area can be safely entered without protective clothing. Preharvest interval (PHI) is the number of days from treatment to harvest. In some cases the REI exceeds the PHI. The longer of two intervals is the minimum time that must elapse before harvest. |
| 1 | Rotate chemicals with a different mode-of-action group number, and do not use products with the same mode-of-action group number more than twice per season to help prevent the development of resistance. For example, the organophosphates have a group number of 1B; chemicals with a 1B group number should be alternated with chemicals that have a group number other than 1B. Mode-of-action group numbers are assigned by IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee). |