Weather Impacting Pest Population

University of Minnesota Extension Entomologist Ian MacRae is surprised by what he’s been seeing, or not seeing, in the fields. “It seems to be an unusual year; I’ve had several calls on springtails and a couple of different insects, but it’s not as bad as I thought it would be.” MacRae thinks the rainy, colder weather has played a part in reducing insect activity. He’s also quick to laud that same rainy weather and the resulting lush soil conditions have been beneficial.  “We’re seeing a lot of soil biofauna, which isn’t necessarily bad. Other insects in there are busy breaking down last year’s plant and turning it into nutrients, which is a great sign of healthy soil.”