Pecan nut casebearer
We reached biofix with pecan nut casebearer here in Erath County. So, you will need to be checking for eggs in the new nutlet the next few weeks to know when to treat.
Damage: The most damaging pest of pecans is the pecan nut casebearer. It infests all pecan- growing areas of Texas.
The larva feeds directly on the developing nut in the spring, soon after pollination in April (South Texas) through early June (North Texas). This spring generation is the most damaging, as a single larva often destroys all the nutlets in a cluster (Fig. 4).
Biology: The adult casebearer is a gray moth about inch long (Fig. 5). The moths deposit eggs on pecan nuts at night. Before hatching, the greenishwhite to white eggs change to pink or red.
The eggs hatch in 4 to 5 days, and the empty white eggshell remains on the nut. After feeding for a day or two on a nearby bud below the nut cluster, the tiny larvae tunnel into the pecan nut. They often leave visible silk and black excrement (frass) on the outsides of infested nuts. The larvae feed inside the pecan nuts for 3 to 4 weeks.
The larvae are olive gray and reach about ½ inch long. Full-grown larvae pupate in the pecan nut; adult moths emerge about 9 to 14 days later.
Control: Apply a labeled insecticide as the eggs begin to hatch. Look for eggs on the nutlets in the spring just after pollination when tiny nuts are forming. Flag egginfested nut clusters to monitor egg hatch.
Insecticides containing spinosad are effective, leave a residue that remains effective for some time (have some residual effect), and harm beneficial insects less than do other insecticides.
To maximize the insecticide’s residual activity, delay treatment until you see the first egg hatch. Once inside the nuts, the larvae are protected from insecticides.
What are June bugs?
The nickname “June bug” refers to several species of scarab beetles. This nickname can be misleading, as June bugs typically emerge in late spring and stick around through the end of summer. The most common names in Texas are the May or June beetle, the green June beetle and, of course, the June bug.
What’s their biggest draw? Light. Porch lights, uncovered windows or any bright nighttime glow will draw them in — often with a crash landing.
Despite their large numbers, adult June beetles are mostly harmless to people.
“They don’t sting, and while they have mandibles that can bite, they rarely do,” Brown said.
And although their legs feel spiky, Brown said that’s because of the tiny spines on their legs that help them grip — not hurt.
In terms of ecosystem roles, the adult beetles serve a purpose. They’re a food source for birds, lizards, fish and other predators. Their larvae, commonly called white grubs, are decomposers that break down organic matter in soil. However, they can be considered pests if they damage lawns.
“Grubs can be beneficial in compost piles,” Brown said, “but if they’re eating turfgrass roots, they can become pests.”
Turn off porch lights or use bug-safe bulbs until the end of summer, when June bugs begin to disappear.
Check your turf before treating it. If you suspect damage from grubs, confirm they’re the cause before applying any treatments. Use products formulated for turf, and only where needed, to avoid harming beneficial organisms and insects.
Brown recommends the iNaturalist app as a fun way for bug enthusiasts to track and identify insects. By using the app, you can contribute to citizen science projects and biodiversity research.