Corn beetle? - Ask Extension
Hello,
Yesterday I noticed one of my corn stalks (small garden) was covered in tiny dots. The leaves were sticky but I didn't see any damage to the l...
Knowledgebase
Corn beetle? #351417
Asked August 08, 2016, 9:23 PM EDT
Hello,
Yesterday I noticed one of my corn stalks (small garden) was covered in tiny dots. The leaves were sticky but I didn't see any damage to the leaves and the corn looked fine. Today I opened up some other corn cobs and the corn looks fine (the tips are dry) but it looks like some of those small black dots are moving- perhaps a tiny beetle? All I can find is information on the corn earworm. I don't see worms or moths... Any other ideas?
Benton County Oregon
Expert Response
The sticky leaves indicate an aphid. Can you post a close-up photo of the "tiny dots"? Depending on their size this might also be a flea beetle, however this would not explain the sticky leaves.
There are black tiny beetles on the corn. I now see some black spots on the tomatoes and a few are also sticky. Maybe there is a tiny winged fly stuck in the stickiness.
Yes, these are aphids. Aphids excrete a sticky substance called "honeydew" that attracts ants, yellowjackets and other insects. The best treatment for aphids is insecticidal soap combined with a strong spray of water. be sure to use genuine insecticidal soap not ordinary household soap.
