Identification

• Corn rootworm larvae hatch in late spring. The larvae are white to pale yellow with dark spots on either end of the body. Adult corn rootworms vary in color depending on the species. The western rootworm is black and yellow while the northern rootworm is light green. The southern rootworm is yellow-green with black spots.
  
  

Damage

• As soon as they hatch, Western and northern rootworm larvae begin damaging the roots of corn. Southern rootworm larvae bore into peanut pods and begin eating the nut. All species of adult corn rootworms feed on leaves. Western and southern rootworms also eat corn silks. All three species are considered to be serious pests by farmers.
  
  

Granular Insecticides

• Some of the most common insecticides used on corn rootworms are organophosphates, chemical compounds created from phosphoric acid. These insecticides are toxic to corn rootworms. They include chemicals such as chlorpyrifos, terbufos, phorate and chlorethoxyfos in granular form. They are applied during planting and cultivation.
  
  

Liquid Insecticides

• Another form of corn rootworm control is treating seeds with liquid insecticides. The chemicals used in this method include thiamethoxam and clothianidin. The chemicals repel corn rootworms.