Seed Corn Beetles

 

Seed Corn Beetles on Greens

 

Tiny mounds of sand on putting surface     

                                         

Seed Corn Beetles are the culprit!

 

We have had several golf patrons inquire about those pesky little mounds that seem to appear from late morning to mid-afternoon on several of our putting greens at Swope Memorial.  This annoyance to a true putt is caused by a new little nuisance called the Seed Corn Beetle. 

 

Despite their name, corn seeds are not the primary food source for seed corn beetles. Rather, they feed on other things they find in the soil including other insects. They are also highly attracted to lights at night. There are two generations per year, typically occurring in May/June and again in August (Purdue University Entomology Dept.).

 

These critters do not feed upon turf.  They burrow into the greens which causes the mounds of sand that appear and become noticeable throughout the day.  For the dew sweepers who play early, their presence is barely noticed as the greenmowers have picked up the sand as we cut the closely mown turf.  But the little bugs get busy after that!

 

We have thrown the proverbial kitchen sink in the form of several different insecticides in an effort to control the pests.  As a new problem to turf, entomologists are currently working toward a solution that we hope can resolve this issue.  Rest assured; we are diligently working on a viable solution!

 

Josh Linn, GC Supt.