Bugs aren’t showing their face yet, but it won't be long. We’ll be able to see how the efforts to manage these pests went come Spring. PJ Liesch the director of the UW-Madison Insect Diagnostic Lab and state entomologist, also known as the Wisconsin Bug guy says this winter didn’t impact insects too much. He shares how the winter affected emerald ash borer and ticks and what pests we should be aware of moving into spring.

“We’ve had emerald ash borer in the state for about 15 years so in terms of how it's been progressing, it’s relatively slow,” says Liesch. “What does this mean for us? The winter didn’t impact the population and we will still be dealing with them, especially in the southeast corner of the state.”

There is some research being done in biological control of this insect. This has included screening for tiny stingless wasps that parasitize the eggs or larval stages. Liesch says it will be a few years yet but these wasps may help to turn the tide of the emerald ash borer population.

Bugs aren’t showing their face yet, but it won't be long. We’ll be able to see how the efforts to manage these pests went come Spring. PJ Liesch the director of the UW-Madison Insect Diagnostic Lab and state entomologist, also known as the Wisconsin Bug guy says this winter didn’t impact insects too much. He shares how the winter affected emerald ash borer and ticks and what pests we should be aware of moving into spring.
“We’ve had emerald ash borer in the state for about 15 years so in terms of how it's been progressing, it’s relatively slow,” says Liesch. “What does this mean for us? The winter didn’t impact the population and we will still be dealing with them, especially in the southeast corner of the state.”
There is some research being done in biological control of this insect. This has included screening for tiny stingless wasps that parasitize the eggs or larval stages. Liesch says it will be a few years yet but these wasps may help to turn the tide of the emerald ash borer population.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

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