How to Scout Smarter

Scouting doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent. You should check fields at least once a week during key growth stages, especially early vegetative stages and as tasseling or pod fill approaches. Mornings or late afternoons are good times to scout—many pests are more visible then.

What to Look At

Start by walking a zig-zag or W pattern across the field. Check the undersides of leaves, stems, ears, and pods. Dig up some roots if you suspect underground pests like rootworm larvae. Look near field edges where infestations often begin. Note any pests, damage, or odd signs you see.

Helpful Tools

A sweep net and hand lens go a long way. Sticky traps can also help track flying insects over time. And keeping a log—whether on paper or through a field scouting app—helps track patterns and make decisions across seasons.

When to Act—and With What

Just seeing a pest doesn’t mean it’s time to treat. Every pest has an economic threshold, the point at which its damage costs more than the treatment. Knowing these thresholds helps you avoid overreacting or wasting money.

Treatment options vary. If action is needed, you might choose from natural predators, crop rotation, or well-targeted pesticides. But be selective—blanket spraying can lead to resistance and hurt beneficial insects.

Make sure to correctly identify the pest and match it to the right control strategy. Misidentifying can cost you time and effectiveness. Local extension offices often publish threshold guides, and experienced agronomists can offer practical advice for your specific conditions.

Stay Ahead of the Damage

Pests don’t wait. The ones that show up in early June might not be the ones hitting you in late July. Regular scouting and good notes help you see trouble coming. It also makes it easier to avoid unnecessary use of pesticides and manage resistance over the long term.

So walk the rows. Flip the leaves. Take the time. If you want help spotting pests early or need a hand figuring out what to do next, get in touch with Innovative Input Solutions. Call us at 270-350-3799 or email info@innovativeinputs.com. We know the fields, and we’re ready when you are.