Many Midwest corn pests can overwinter in fields, where they wait to feast on the next season’s yield. Learn how taking three preventive measures after corn harvest can help reduce and manage overwintering insects.
Overwintering corn pests include but are not limited to:
- Western and northern rootworm
- European corn borer
- Wireworms
- Japanese beetle
Which harvest decisions effectively control overwintering insects and weeds?
1. Tillage to bury corn crop residue
Leaving crop residue on the field can provide many benefits, including reduced erosion, weed suppression and improved soil fertility. However, the downside is that if left unattended, crop residue creates an environment where common corn pests can overwinter.
Instead of leaving crop residue on the soil surface, bury the residue with fall tillage. Once buried, the residue is no longer a viable harboring site for overwintering pest larvae and pupae.
Unfortunately, burying residue isn’t a cure-all. Corn borer and corn rootworm are pervasive pests that require a more comprehensive, multifaceted management strategy. For example, planting Bt hybrids with traits for specific above or below ground insect control and implementing integrated pest management approaches that incorporate cultural, mechanical and chemical control can help. Bt traits
2. Crop rotation to interrupt pest life cycle
Corn pests often rely on corn-on-corn cropping systems that allow for continual infestation and reproduction. You can disrupt the overwintering corn pest’s life cycle by rotating from corn to soy, as the new crop rotation will eliminate the corn-specific pest’s host or food source. Especially in a no-till or reduced tillage system, crop rotation is a must to interrupt pest life cycles.
3. Fall weed burndown to eliminate host plants
Winter annual weeds are an ideal host for overwintering insect populations. Using a fall herbicide burndown can help you effectively eliminate the winter weed host, subsequently reducing the risk of pests. For example, black cutworm has been found to overwinter in several winter annual weeds, increasing their populations before corn even emerges in the spring.¹
Proactive management can streamline spring planting
Don’t wait until spring to start preparing your fields. Managing your seedbed for optimal productivity is a year-round commitment. Experts are available to help you make your overwintering and crop management decisions. Reach out to your seed retailer, a nearby extension office agent or a seed company professional like your regional BASF representative to find the best plan for your operation.
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Endnotes
- Dean, Ashley, and Erin Hodgson. “Black cutworm.” Integrated Crop Management, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, 27 Apr. 2026, crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/black-cutworm. Accessed 9 July 2026.
