New Threats on the Horizon: Emerging Insects Prairie Growers Should Watch

Jan 28, 2025

Insects are always a challenge for farmers on the prairies. The unpredictable weather in Manitoba played a significant role in shaping that province’s insect activity in 2024. According to John Gavloski, an entomologist with Manitoba Agriculture, the cold, wet spring had both positive and negative effects on various pest populations. Gavloski shared insights into the challenges farmers faced and what they can expect heading into 2025.

Flea Beetles: A Persistent Concern

One of the most significant challenges for Manitoba canola growers remains flea beetles. These small black beetles, which feed on crops in the cabbage family, including canola, caused widespread damage in 2024.

“Flea beetles are a chronic concern,” Gavloski explained. “The seed treatments used to manage them are effective for about three to four weeks after seeding. But when you get cool weather, like we did this spring, it slows crop growth, leaving seedlings vulnerable for longer. That’s when flea beetles can really become a problem.”

With flea beetles being a consistent threat, Gavloski urged farmers to be prepared for high levels of activity in 2025.

Cutworms, Weevils, and Other Challenges

Cutworms were another notable pest in 2024, though Gavloski noted that their populations have been declining compared to recent years. “Cutworms were still a concern in most agricultural regions, but they weren’t as bad as what we saw back in 2019 or 2020,” he said.

Alfalfa growers dealt with significant feeding damage from alfalfa weevils, which Gavloski described as beetles with a snout-like feature. “When alfalfa weevils are abundant, their feeding can make fields look frosted,” he said. “This was a problem in many areas of the province.”

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