Identifying Ground Beetles
It's an easy error to make. You notice some plants being chewed. You look around for clues and spot a good sized hole in the soil nearby. If you poke around in the soil you may unearth a surprisingly large, aggressive-looking beetle and it's easy to conclude that you've found your culprit. But you would be wrong.
Ground beetles have an appetite for grubs, slugs, caterpillars, wireworms and other soil-dwelling pests. They aren't causing the damage; they're helping fight the problem. Ground beetles are usually nocturnal so they can be hard to find without digging through the soil. When exposed to light they scurry to bury themselves back under ground. They especially like the cover provided by crop debris and natural mulches.
Ground beetle larvae are even more intimidating. They tend to be robust with noticeably large jaws, the better for devouring those worms and slugs. Ground beetle adults and larvae are good examples of why it is important to accurately identify the pest before deciding which course of action to follow.
For more information on many types of ground beetles visit: http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/pdf/ground-tiger-beetles
-Amy Ivy
Upcoming Events
Interested in taking the NYSDEC Pesticide Applicator's exam?
March 27, 2024
March 29, 2024
: Interested in taking the NYSDEC Pesticide Applicator's exam?
2024 Agritourism Webinar Series
January 9, 2024 : Agritourism For Maple Syrup Operations
The first agritourism webinar for 2024 will focus on Maple Syrup Operations.
February 13, 2024 : Grants for Agritourism Operations
Are there grants that can help you support or grow your agritourism business? Where do you look for funding?
March 12, 2024 : Staffing your Agritourism Business
Agritourism operations need employees who are good with the public. Where can you find a labor force for your agritourism enterprise? What different laws and regulations might you encounter as an employer for an agritourism workforce? How do you get your employees hired and trained effectively?
April 9, 2024 : Working with your local tourism office
Your local tourism office is an important resource for you to help advertise and promote your agritourism business. Find out what they can do for you!
Virtual Orchard IPM Scout Training
April 15, 2024 : Virtual Orchard IPM Scout Training
Virtual Orchard IPM Scout Training
Monday April 15, 2-4PM
Join us for a live, virtual training on scouting of major insect pests of apple orchards. Anna Wallis (NYSIPM Program), Mike Basedow (CCE ENYCHP), and Janet van Zoeren (CCE LOFT), will broadcast from orchards in their region to discuss best practices for monitoring. We will review monitoring/scouting procedures for major economically significant pests. We will also share resources available for helping with identification of pests and forecasting pest activity.
This event is held on Zoom