Autumn wireworm in potatoes: how to get rid of it

If wireworms have taken up residence in your potatoes, it's essential to know how to get rid of the parasites in the fall; otherwise, the larvae will quickly destroy your entire harvest. The damage caused by wireworms is far more dangerous than that caused by Colorado potato beetleAfter all, the tubers had already been harvested and stored, and then this disaster struck. Plus, noticing that wireworm larvae are eating the potatoes isn't easy; you have to cut the tuber open and look inside. And who knows how much time will have passed since the infestation stage by then.

Gardeners should begin their fight against wireworms in the fall. Before resorting to specific, yet effective, chemical and folk remedies, it's important to take a closer look at the larvae and the beetle.

General information about the parasite

The adult wireworm, when it becomes a beetle, is completely harmless to potato tubers because its diet includes plant leaves and pods. However, the larvae, which resemble yellow wire in appearance, are extremely dangerous.

The long, nimble larvae move in various directions and often devour not only potatoes, but also beets, onions, peas, carrots, and even lentils. These larvae are long-lived in the insect world, and their full cycle to adulthood often takes four years. That is, only in the fifth year will the larva become a beetle and emerge to the surface, having spent the preceding years actively devouring root vegetables.

About the main methods of struggle

As with other garden pests, there are two options for controlling wireworms: folk remedies and chemicals. Among the folk remedies, which will be discussed in detail in the final section of this article, traps stand out. Place a piece of potato or another tuber that wireworms enjoy on a shelf, then bury it in the soil for several days.

The bait is only effective until the start of harvesting and, to put it mildly, is not the most effective against severe infestations.

One common folk remedy involves using glass jars. Bury them in the ground with the open neck exposed. Place beets or potatoes inside and leave for a few days. Change the jar periodically, and destroy any unlucky larvae by hand. Straw has also proven to be an effective folk remedy. Larvae love to hide in straw, especially when it gets cold. Therefore, leave piles of straw scattered around the area until frost sets in, then gather it up and burn it.

Another interesting folk remedy for controlling wireworms on potatoes in the fall is to use legumes. Specifically, before planting and after harvesting, plant legumes in the same area where potatoes were grown. Wireworms strongly dislike these plants and will leave your plot on their own.

About chemical methods

When digging, it's recommended to treat the soil with potassium chloride. This is a strong solution, but it will definitely eliminate wireworms from the area for several years. Potassium permanganate will also help: water each hole with a weak solution as a preventative measure before planting the root crop.

As a chemical control option, the area can be covered with lime, but this must be done before frost and snow set in. In the spring, when the snow melts, the lime will penetrate the soil and drive out the larvae.

What to take care of in advance, secrets of agricultural technology:

• In the fall, it is essential to dig up the soil; this will help destroy both the larvae and the beetles.
• It is essential to lime the soil.
• Clear the area of ​​weeds in a timely manner.
• Add mineral fertilizers to the soil regularly.

Important! Many gardeners note that prevention is the most effective way to combat wireworms. If all measures are taken correctly and promptly, you can preserve your harvest.

By the way, toads are natural enemies of wireworm larvae. So, if they've taken up residence on your property, don't poison them. Let them enjoy a delicious meal. Read about it. How and when to fertilize potatoes.

Wireworms in potatoes: folk remedies for getting rid of the parasite in autumn and spring:

1. You'll need to peel the potato and place it on a stick. Then, dig the stick into the ground to a depth of five centimeters.
2. Dig up the potatoes after a couple of days, along with the larvae still inside. Destroy the root vegetables by pouring boiling water over them or burning them.
3. When planting potatoes, sprinkle ten grams of crushed chicken eggshells into the holes as a preventative measure. Lightly moisten the shells with sunflower oil. Once the wireworms taste the shells, they will die.
4. Incidentally, gardeners emphasize that this remedy is universal and also helps get rid of such a common root crop pest as the mole cricket.
5. Two weeks before planting potatoes, sow corn kernels. Plant 15 swollen kernels per square meter of plot. When the corn sprouts, dig it up along with the soil and destroy it.
6. You can add two tablespoons of ammonium sulfate per square meter to the soil. This fertilizer will not only kill the larvae, but also add nitrogen to the soil.
7. Spread a thin layer of granulated superphosphate on a plastic sheet. Then moisten with water and acetone or any pesticide. Dry in the shade and scatter over the area. It's great if you can dig the soil after this treatment. Additionally, when planting potatoes, sprinkle a small amount of superphosphate, dried and treated as described, into each hole.
8. You can dig up the soil and then add lime. It's also essential to remove couch grass and sow thistle, as these are where the larvae thrive. When planting potatoes, onions, or beets, add a handful of onion skins to each hole.
9. As an option, plant between the rows of root crops Marigolds, which repel the larvae of this beetle with their smell.
   A predatory nematode, a microscopic worm, will help get rid of larvae. You can buy "Protection" soil, which contains these nematodes. Add a pinch of soil to each hole. After the first treatment, the nematode will kill 60 to 100% of the larvae. This soil and worm are completely safe for humans and the environment.

These are some proven methods for getting rid of wireworms in potatoes in the fall. If the method you've chosen doesn't work, be sure to try one or two more of the options listed. However, to avoid a difficult fight against the pests, be sure to remember preventative measures.