Wireworm

*Elateridae*

Content coming soon for this insect guide.

Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

-4 Pest

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestWestPacific Northwest

Habitat Preferences

gardensagricultural fieldsgrasslandspasturessoil

Taxonomic Group

Beetle

Order

Coleoptera

Family

Elateridae

Lifecycle

Wireworms are the larval stage of click beetles. The complete life cycle can take 2 to 11 years to complete, depending on the species and environmental conditions. Adult click beetles emerge from the soil from spring to late summer to mate and lay eggs in the soil, often in the shade of plants. The eggs hatch into larvae (wireworms), which is the longest stage of their life, lasting for several years. During this time, they live in the soil and feed on plant roots and seeds. The larvae pupate in the soil in late spring to late summer, and the pupal stage lasts for about a month. The adults then remain in the soil until the following spring.

Overwintering Strategy

Larvae and adult beetles overwinter in the soil.

Native Range

Widespread globally

Attracted By

germinating seedscornwheatbarleyoatspotato tuberscarrotsbeansclovergrassweedy alfalfa

Repelled By

alfalfamustardonionslettucesunflowerssoil dryingsoil flooding

Organic Control Methods

Organic control of wireworms focuses on cultural and mechanical methods. Crop rotation with non-host plants like alfalfa, mustard, onions, and lettuce can reduce populations. Soil management techniques such as summer fallow to dry the soil, or flooding for several weeks in warm temperatures, can kill wireworms. Tilling the soil multiple times in late spring and early summer can also help. Trapping wireworms with pieces of potato or bait balls made of flour and oats can be an effective way to manually remove them from the garden.

Companion Planting

Crop rotation is a key strategy for managing wireworm populations. Planting non-host crops such as alfalfa, mustard, onions, lettuce, and sunflowers can help to reduce wireworm numbers in the soil. Conversely, avoid planting susceptible crops like potatoes, corn, and wheat immediately after clover, grass, or weedy alfalfa, as these can harbor high wireworm populations.