Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook

Melon (Cantaloupe, muskmelon, and watermelon)-Wireworm

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Image related to Melon (Cantaloupe, muskmelon, and watermelon)-Wireworm
Pacific coast wireworm
Limonius canus LeConte
Immature
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection
Image related to Melon (Cantaloupe, muskmelon, and watermelon)-Wireworm
Pacific coast wireworm
Limonius canus LeConte
Adult
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection

Limonius spp.

Pest description, crop damage and life history

See:

Common Pests of Vegetable Crops

Management-biological, cultural, tactical

See:

Potato, Irish-Wireworm

Management-chemical control: HOME USE

  • bifenthrin (often as a mix with zeta-cypermethrin)
  • cyfluthrin
  • zeta-cypermethrin

Management-chemical control: COMMERCIAL USE

  • bifenthrin/Avermectin (Athena) at 0.06 to 0.12 lb ai/A at plant application. REI 12 hr.
  • bifenthrin/indole butyric acid (Empower 2) at 0.04 to 0.1 lb ai/A. PHI 3 days. REI 7 days. Do not exceed 0.3 lb ai/A per season. Retreatment interval 7 days.
  • chloropicrin (Telone)-Preplant.
  • diazinon (Diazinon 50W) at 3 to 4 lb ai/A broadcast and incorporate into top 4 to 8 inches prior to planting. REI 3 days.
  • thiamethoxam (Cruiser 5FS) as seed treatment.

Kaur, N. (Ed.). 2023 Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook.
© Oregon State University.

Use pesticides safely!

  • Wear protective clothing and safety devices as recommended on the label. Bathe or shower after each use.
  • Read the pesticide label—even if you’ve used the pesticide before. Follow closely the instructions on the label (and any other directions you have).
  • Be cautious when you apply pesticides. Know your legal responsibility as a pesticide applicator. You may be liable for injury or damage resulting from pesticide use.

Trade-name products and services are mentioned as illustrations only. This does not mean that the participating Extension Services endorse these products and services or that they intend to discriminate against products and services not mentioned.