Democratic Sentinel, Volume 3, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 May 1879 — The Army Worm in Illinois. [ARTICLE]

The Army Worm in Illinois.

Prof. Thomas, State Entomologist of Illinois, states that there are indications that the army worm will make its appearance in Illinois this season. He has observed the night-flying moth, of which the army worm is the larvae, in several different localities, especially in Southern Illinois. This moth is now depositing its eggs in the meadow fields in large qnantities, and the weather is very favorable for this operation in nearly all the State. The eggs are deposited upon grass, notably on timothy, and on grain, notably winter wheat, and they begin to hatch out early in May. It destroys oats, grass, wheat and corn in its very earliest stage of growth. The worm travels in large bodies, literally in armies, and its destruction is complete. The only method of protecting fields is by plowing a deep furrow around so that as the army approaches it will fall into it. The steep side of the farrow must be next the grain to be protected, so that the worm cannot crawl up it. When the worm falls into the trench or furrow, straw is to be placed therein and set on fire, which, of course, destroys the pests. When they are found moving along or across a road or level field, a roller may be run upon them so as to destroy them. Prof. Thomas considers that the indications of the appearance of these pests are such that the farmers should be alert to discover the first appearance, and to report the fact, and then should take the earliest and most vigorous measures to prevent the invasion from becoming successful.