New World Screwworm

New World Screwworm (NWS, Cochliomyia hominivorax) is recognized as a highly destructive pest.¹,² NWS fly larvae, also known as maggots, invade the tissue of living animals, resulting in severe and often fatal injuries. This species can infest warm-blooded hosts, including livestock, pets, wildlife, humans, and even birds.²

Top and middle photos courtesy of CDC, bottom photo Marcy Ward, New Mexico State University.

The term “screwworm” is derived from the larvae’s characteristic feeding behavior, where they burrow into wounds in a manner like a screw penetrating wood.¹ Maggots inflict significant harm by tearing at host tissue with their sharp mouth hooks; consequently, the wound may enlarge and deepen as additional larvae hatch and feed on viable tissue.² The impact of NWS infestations can be substantial, frequently leading to life-threatening conditions for affected animals. Adult screwworm flies are comparable in size to common houseflies or slightly larger and are distinguished by orange eyes, metallic blue or green bodies, and three dark stripes along their backs.¹

Historically, screwworm caused severe economic losses in U.S. livestock production prior to eradication efforts, with annual losses estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars (mid-20th century values).⁴

USDA Strategy and Sterile Insect Technique

Central to eradication efforts is the sterile insect technique (SIT), a scientifically validated area-wide pest control method.⁵

Female NWS flies mate only once, so mating with a sterile male prevents reproduction and collapses the population over time.³,⁵ Sterile flies are released by air or ground, with aerial dispersal preferred for covering large areas. USDA produces sterile flies at the COPEG facility in Panama and is expanding domestic capacity at the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.¹

The sterile insect technique has been credited with the successful eradication of screwworm from the United States and much of Central America.³

Organic Considerations

For organic producers, livestock health care practices are governed under 7 CFR §205.238 of the National Organic Program regulations, which require preventive health care and prompt treatment of illness or injury.⁶

While APHIS provides guidance for detection and reporting,¹ there is very limited organic-specific direction currently available. Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listings can be consulted to determine compliance of specific insecticides. ⁷ Typical insecticide suppression of New World screwworm is not highly effective because larvae can infest wounds in wildlife hosts, so control relies primarily on detection, surveillance, and sterile male release rather than routine spray applications. ⁴

PyGanic is the only organic product labeled for livestock to kill adult flies, in particular blow flies. There are some other products for livestock but labeled as repellants. It is a natural pyrethrum product and falls within the same broad insecticide class referenced in federal guidance for adult fly control.8 However, there is currently no published data evaluating PyGanic specifically against New World Screwworm adults or larvae. Therefore, its potential role would be limited to adult fly suppression rather than eradication, and it should be considered as part of a broader management response rather than a stand-alone solution.

Moxidectin Use in Organic Livestock

Example of Moxidectin Injection which is sold in stores and online. Be sure to check with your certifier before using any product in your operation and especially moxidectin since it is only allowed in severe parasitism. The current treatment for NWS is “Dectomax” which means your animal would be removed from organic certification.

Organic livestock producers may be familiar with moxidectin because it is permitted under USDA National Organic Program (NOP) regulations for the treatment of severe parasitism when preventive organic management practices are not adequate. Questions have recently arisen regarding whether moxidectin could play a role in managing New World Screwworm (NWS) infestations. While FDA recommendations for NWS treatment in cattle currently focus on approved products containing doramectin (Dectomax), research conducted with Old World Screwworm (OWS) has shown that injectable moxidectin can provide substantial protection against myiasis and reinfestation in cattle of OWS.9 However, these studies involved OWS rather than NWS, and there is currently limited information available regarding the effectiveness of moxidectin against New World screwworm. As a result, any expectations regarding NWS control should be considered preliminary until additional research becomes available. At present, moxidectin should be viewed as a potential area for future investigation rather than a proven NWS treatment option.

Producer Prevention and Reporting

Producers should:

  • Monitor livestock closely for wounds or signs of infestation.¹
  • Minimize injury risks by inspecting facilities and equipment.
  • Treat livestock and potential wounds promptly with approved products. If wounds are infected with NWS then report and treat with approved products.
  • Prevent introduction by controlling animal movement.

If screwworm is suspected, it must be reported immediately to State animal health officials and APHIS to enable rapid containment.¹

References

¹ USDA APHIS – New World Screwworm Information Page
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. (n.d.). New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax). U.S. Department of Agriculture.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle/ticks/screwworm

² University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. (2025). New World screwworm: Cochliomyia hominivorax (Primary screwworm). EDIS Publication IN1146. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1146

³ Krafsur, E. S., Whitten, C. J., & Novy, J. E. (1987). Screwworm eradication in North and Central America. Parasitology Today, 3(5), 131–137.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15462936/

⁴ Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – New World Screwworm Fact Sheet
Phillip Kaufman, Sonja L. Swiger & Andy Herring. (2025). New World screwworm fact sheet. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/new-world-screwworm-fact-sheet/

⁵ Sterile Insect Technique (Scientific Foundation)
Vreysen, M. J. B., Robinson, A. S., & Hendrichs, J. (Eds.). (2007). Area-wide control of insect pests: From research to field implementation. Springer.
https://www.iaea.org/topics/sterile-insect-technique

⁶ National Organic Program Regulation
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. (2023). 7 CFR Part 205—National Organic Program.
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-205

⁷ OMRI Listings
Organic Materials Review Institute. (n.d.). OMRI product search.
https://www.omri.org/omri-search

8 USDA APHIS. 2025. Pesticides for Control of New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax). Revised September 2025. United States Department of Agriculture. https://agrilifeorganic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/pesticides-for-nws.pdf

9Hassan, E., Al-Karogholli, A. Y., Hassan, A., & Al-Ani, M. (2005). Comparative efficacy of Moxidectin and Ivermectin in cattle naturally infected with old world screw worm larvae. https://doi.org/10.33899/ijvs.2005.46740

Organic Grain Storage Insect Control

Stored-grain insects can quickly reduce grain quality and marketability. Organic producers can use prevention, monitoring and biological controls—including sanitation, proper drying, aeration, beneficial insects, diatomaceous earth and pheromone traps—to help protect stored grain.

Revision Note – October 2026: This publication was updated to expand the biological control section for stored-grain insects. The revision adds information on parasitoid wasps, including Anisopteromalus calandrae for weevils and lesser grain borer and Cephalonomia tarsalis for sawtoothed grain beetle, and clarifies that commercial availability of these specialized biological control agents in the United States may be limited.

A large metal grain silo with a spiral staircase on the exterior, set against a blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Properly managing stored grain is essential to maintaining its quality and preventing insect infestations. Below are some strategies for controlling insects in organic grain storage, focusing on beneficial insects, biological sprays, and preventive measures. Before applying any material to an empty storage structure or directly to organic grain, verify that the product is allowed by your certifier, is included in your Organic System Plan when required, and is labeled for the intended use. A material being “natural,” OMRI Listed, or containing an allowed active ingredient does not by itself make every use of that product acceptable.

Close-up of a pile of grains infested with small brown weevils and some grains that are cracked or damaged.

Clean Storage Areas: Thoroughly clean and disinfect storage areas before storing new grain. Remove any residual grain, debris, and dust, as these can harbor pests.

Proper Drying: For many stored grains, moisture near or below 13–14% is commonly targeted for storage, with lower moisture needed for longer-term storage. High moisture levels can promote mold growth and attract insects.

Sealed Containers: Seal entry points: Repair holes, cracks, seams, roof leaks and other openings that allow insects or moisture into the bin. In systems specifically designed for hermetic storage, maintaining an airtight seal can also provide insect control.

Regular Monitoring: Inspect stored grain regularly for signs of infestation. Use pheromone traps to monitor pest activity and take action if necessary.

Temperature Control: Keep storage areas cool, as high temperatures can encourage insect activity. Aerate grain periodically to maintain uniform temperature and moisture levels.

Aeration is one of the most useful tools for suppressing stored-grain insects. Cooling the grain mass slows insect development and reduces moisture migration and condensation. The objective is not simply to run the fan periodically, but to use favorable outside air to move a cooling front through the grain mass.

Beneficial insects and mites can be useful components of an integrated pest management program for stored organic grain. Some are predators that consume multiple prey, while others are parasitoids whose immature stages develop on or in a single host and eventually kill it. Because these natural enemies differ in the pests and life stages they attack, correct pest identification is important before selecting a biological-control organism.1

Predatory Mites: Several predatory mites feed on stored-product mites, insect eggs, and small insect larvae. Their usefulness depends on the pest species, grain conditions, temperature, and humidity.

Trichogramma Wasps: Trichogramma species are very small parasitoid wasps that attack the eggs of moths. In stored-grain systems they may be useful against moth pests such as the Indianmeal moth and other stored-product moths. The female lays her egg inside the moth egg, preventing the pest larva from developing.2

Anisopteromalus calandrae: This small parasitoid wasp attacks several important stored-grain beetles, particularly weevils such as Sitophilus species and the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica. Females can locate late-stage beetle larvae concealed within grain kernels, pierce the kernel with the ovipositor, paralyze the host, and lay an egg on or near it.3 Research has demonstrated suppression of stored-grain pests by A. calandrae under both laboratory and larger-scale grain-storage conditions.4

Cephalonomia tarsalis: This parasitoid is especially associated with the sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis. Unlike weevils and lesser grain borer, sawtoothed grain beetle larvae are generally free-living within the grain mass rather than developing inside intact kernels. Research has shown that C. tarsalis can move through stored grain, locate sawtoothed grain beetle larvae, and substantially reduce their populations.5

Biological control works best as part of a broader stored-grain management program that includes sanitation, drying, aeration, monitoring, and early pest detection. Biological control agents should be selected according to the pest actually present rather than used as a general treatment for all stored-grain insects.

Trichogramma Wasp

Commercial Availability: Specialized stored-grain parasitoids such as Anisopteromalus calandrae and Cephalonomia tarsalis have been commercially produced for biological control, but current commercial availability in the United States is limited. Several European insectaries continue to produce these parasitoids. Growers should confirm current availability and applicable USDA import or movement requirements before planning a release.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE): DE is a natural powder made from fossilized remains of diatoms. It works by damaging the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. It’s a safe and effective method for organic grain storage. Apply DE to the grain before storage to create a protective layer.

Label for Perma-Guard Grain or Seed Storage Insecticide D-10, detailing directions for use, active ingredients, first aid instructions, and safety precautions.

General Application: Use DE at a rate of approximately 1-2 pounds per ton of grain. Surface Treatment: For treating the surface of stored grain, apply a layer of DE at about 0.5 to 1 pound per 1,000 square feet.

How to Apply DE: Ensure the grain is clean and dry before applying DE. The moisture content should be below 14%, as DE is more effective in dry conditions.

Close-up of a grain handling machine with grains moving along a conveyor belt and dust particles in the air.

Mixing with Grain: Add DE to the grain as it is being transferred into the storage bin. This can be done using a grain auger or conveyor belt. The movement will help mix DE uniformly throughout the grain.

Top Dressing: After filling the storage bin, apply DE on the top surface of the grain. This creates a barrier to prevent insects from entering the grain mass. For best results, ensure even distribution. DE should be mixed thoroughly with the grain to cover all kernels. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a dust mask and gloves to avoid inhaling DE dust during application. A hand spreader or scoop can be used for smaller quantities, while larger operations may require mechanized equipment for even distribution.

Benefits of Using DE: DE is a natural, non-toxic substance safe for humans and animals. It leaves no harmful residues, making it suitable for organic storage systems. DE is effective against a wide range of insects, including weevils, beetles, and moths.

Additional Tips for DE: Maintain optimal storage conditions. DE is most effective in dry environments, so keeping grain dry and well-ventilated will enhance its efficacy. In long-term storage situations, periodically check the grain and reapply DE if needed, especially if there is significant handling or movement of grain. Always handle DE with care to avoid inhalation and ensure it does not contact eyes. Use in a well-ventilated area or wear appropriate protective gear.

Neem Oil (Azadirachtin): Extracted from the neem tree, neem oil has insecticidal properties that disrupt the life cycle of insects by interfering with their growth and reproduction. Some azadirachtin products have insecticidal activity against stored-product pests, but labels vary considerably. Before treating stored grain, verify that the specific product is labeled for postharvest grain use and is approved for the intended organic use. Here are some products:

Azadirachtin 1.2%Aza-Direct, AzaPro
Azadirachtin 3%AzaGuard, Molt-X
Azadirachtin 4.5%Neemix 4.5
Azadirachtin: 6.0%Azasol

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): Bt is a soil-dwelling bacterium that produces proteins toxic to certain insects. When ingested by insects, Bt causes them to stop feeding and eventually die. Bt formulations can be sprayed on grain to control pests like moths and beetles. Here are some products:

Bacillus thuringiensis aizawaiAgree, XentariCertis, Valentbacteria
Bacillus thuringiensis kurstakiDiPel, Deliver, Javelin, BT Now, LeprotecNuFarm, Valent, Certis, BioSafe, Vestaronbacteria
Image of various STORGARD Monitoring Systems components including traps and lures.

Pheromone traps are an effective tool for monitoring and controlling insect pests in organic grain storage. They work by emitting synthetic versions of insect pheromones, which attract pests to the trap, thereby reducing their populations and minimizing damage to stored grain.

Benefits of Pheromone Traps

1. Target Specific Pests: Pheromone traps are designed to attract specific insect species, making them effective in targeting particular pests without affecting non-target organisms.

2. Monitoring Pest Activity: These traps help farmers monitor pest populations and detect early infestations, allowing for timely intervention.

3. Reducing Chemical Use: By using pheromone traps, farmers can reduce or eliminate the need for chemical insecticides, aligning with organic farming principles.

Types of Pheromone Traps

1. Sticky Traps: These traps are coated with a sticky substance that captures insects when they land on them. They are commonly used for moths and beetles.

2. Delta Traps: Reusable plastic traps that are suitable for a variety of pests. They are durable and weather-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use.

3. Wing Traps: These traps are weather-resistant and feature a grid pattern on the bottom for easy counting of trapped insects. They are effective in orchards and greenhouses.

How to Use Pheromone Traps

1. Placement: Position traps at the top and in the center of the grain mass. Pheromone traps can also be placed around the storage area to monitor incoming pests.

2. Monitoring: Check the traps regularly to monitor pest activity. Replace the pheromone lures as needed, typically every 4-6 weeks.

3. Maintenance: Keep traps clean and ensure they are in good condition to maintain their effectiveness.

Sources for Pheromone Traps

Oklahoma Company that I have used a lot!

STORGARD® WB Probe II® Grain Beetle Trap – Trécé, Inc. (trece.com)

  1. Schöller, M., Prozell, S., Al-Kirshi, A.G., and Reichmuth, C. 2006. “Towards biological control as a major component of integrated pest management in stored product protection.” Journal of Stored Products Research 42:81–97. ↩︎
  2. Grieshop, M.J., Flinn, P.W., and Nechols, J.R. 2006. “Biological control of Indianmeal moth (Plodia interpunctella) on finished stored products using egg parasitoids.” Journal of Economic Entomology 99:113–120. ↩︎
  3. Belda, C., and Riudavets, J. 2010. “Attraction of the parasitoid Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) to odors from grain and stored product pests in a Y-tube olfactometer.” Biological Control 54:29–34. ↩︎
  4. Del Arco, L., Riudavets, J., Campos-Rivela, J.M., Martínez-Ferrer, M.T., Agustí, N., and Castañé, C. 2023. “Effectiveness of the parasitoid Anisopteromalus calandrae in the control of Sitophilus zeamais and Rhyzopertha dominica in paddy rice.” Biological Control 181:105216. ↩︎
  5. Del Arco, L., et al. 2024. “Cephalonomia tarsalis for the control of the sawtoothed grain beetle, either alone or in combination with the predatory mite Blattisocius tarsalis.” Journal of Stored Products Research 105:102250. ↩︎
Text from the United States Department of Agriculture about the Transition to Organic Partnership Program with a USDA Organic logo.

Scale Insects and Mealybugs – Winter/Spring is the time to look and treat!

Click on an item below to go directly to it!

  1. Lecanium Scale: Pecan Trees
  2. San Jose Bark Scale
  3. Crape Myrtle Bark Scale
  4. Mealybugs are prominent now in Greenhouses and Houseplants
  5. Introduction of Natural Predators or Disease
  6. Other Resources
Lecanium scale on pecan

Scales are sucking insects that insert their tiny, straw-like mouthparts into bark, fruit, or leaves, mostly on trees and shrubs and other perennial plants. Some scales can seriously damage their host, while other species do no apparent damage to plants even when scales are very abundant. The presence of scales can be easily overlooked, in part because they do not resemble most other insects.

Lecanium scales in the picture above (there are about 12 species) are known as “soft” scales and are common pests on many ornamental plants all over North America. Holly, elm, redbud, walnut, citrus, apricot, pear, persimmon, beech, box elder, grape, pecan, rose, and willow are a sample of the diverse range of hosts that Lecanium scales can parasitize.

As these scales feed, they excrete large quantities of honeydew which serves as a substrate for sooty mold fungi.

Here is a link to a previous post I wrote about this scale on pecan. Scale on Pecan?

San Jose scale, Quadraspidiotus perniciosus (Comstock) (Homoptera: Diaspididae).
Photo by C. L. Cole.

San Jose Bark Scale is one of the major insect pests of peaches and maybe one that causes the most damage. The first signs of infestation include a decline of tree vigor, leaf drop and appearance of sparse yellow foliage, particularly on the terminal growth. Reddish spots on the underside of bark and around scales on leaves or fruit result from feeding of immature stages. In severe cases, the entire surface of bark can become covered with layers of overlapping grayish scales. Cracking and bleeding of limbs occur, and heavily injured trees may die.

Life Cycle: Intermediate. Mature females and immature (second nymphal instar) stages survive the winter. Rather than eggs, female scale insects produce tiny six-legged, mobile, yellow-colored young, called “crawlers.” This stage spreads the infestation to new areas on the host plant, including bark, leaves and fruit, and to new hosts. After inserting their thread-like mouthparts into the plant and feeding for 2 to 3 days, female crawlers secrete their initial scale coverings and never move from that spot. Males develop into 2-winged adults in 2 or 3 weeks and emerge from their scales to seek females to mate. Up to six generations may be produced annually. All stages of development can occur throughout the year except during the winter.

The crape myrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus (Eriococcus)  lagerstromiae (Kuwana) was first confirmed in the USA in 2004 in the landscape near Dallas (TX), although it was likely introduced earlier. The scale is a sucking insect that feeds on the phloem (sap) of plants. As it feeds, it excretes a sugary solution known as “honeydew” (similar to aphids, whiteflies, and other sucking insects). Heavy infestations of crape myrtle bark scale produce sufficient honeydew to coat leaves, stems and bark of the tree. This honeydew, in turn, will eventually turn black as it is colonized by a concoction of fungi, called sooty mold. Although crape myrtles rarely die as a result of crape myrtle bark scale infestation, the sticky leaves and black trunks greatly reduce the attractive appearance of the tree.

Photo by Erfan K. Vafaie, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

Immature crape myrtle bark scale is hard to see with the naked eye, but adult scale covers, and egg sacs are frequently visible on the upper branches and trunk of the tree. These scales include larger, white, oval (female) and smaller, elongate (male) scales.  Both male and female scales of the crape myrtle bark scale are immobile and will “bleed” pink blood when crushed.

On a personal note, this is a problem I have in my landscape and use Certis Biologicals – Des-X Insecticidal Soap as a treatment. Seems to work well but it does require repeat applications.

Mealybugs are soft-bodied, wingless insects belonging to the family Pseudococcidae. These pests are known for their damaging effects on a wide range of plants, including crops, ornamentals, and houseplants. Their appearance is distinctive: adults are covered with a white, waxy, cotton-like secretion, making them resemble small tufts of cotton. This protective coating helps conserve moisture and offers some defense against predators and pesticides. Understanding the biology of mealybugs is crucial for developing effective management strategies in agricultural and horticultural systems.

Mealybugs have a complex life cycle that includes egg, nymph (crawler), and adult stages:

  • Egg: Female mealybugs lay hundreds of eggs within an ovisac, a protective sac made from waxy secretions. The color and size of the ovisac can vary among species.
  • Nymph (Crawler): After hatching, the nymphs, or crawlers, emerge to find feeding sites. This is the most mobile stage of the mealybug life cycle, and it’s when they are most vulnerable to control measures. Crawlers are tiny, yellowish, and lack the waxy coating seen in adults.
  • Adult: As they mature, nymphs undergo several molts before reaching adulthood. Adult females are larger than males and retain the waxy coating. Males may develop wings, depending on the species, and do not feed on plant sap as adults.

Mealybugs feed by inserting their long, slender mouthparts into plant tissues and sucking out sap. This feeding behavior can weaken plants, reduce growth, and cause leaf yellowing, wilting, and even death in severe infestations. As they feed, mealybugs excrete honeydew, a sticky substance that can lead to the growth of sooty mold, further impairing photosynthesis and plant health.

Mealybug reproduction can be sexual or asexual, varying by species. Some species are capable of parthenogenesis, where females produce offspring without mating. This ability allows for rapid population increases under favorable conditions.

Mealybugs spread primarily through human activity, such as the movement of infested plant material, and natural means, like crawling to adjacent plants or being carried by wind, animals, or ants. Ants, in particular, are known to farm mealybugs for their honeydew, protecting them from natural enemies and inadvertently aiding in their dispersal.

Controlling scale or mealybug insects in an organic farming system emphasizes the integration of biological and ecological methods to maintain pest populations below damaging levels. Biological control, one of the cornerstone practices in organic agriculture, involves the use of living organisms—predators, parasitoids, and pathogens—to regulate pest populations. Here are some effective methods to manage these insects through biological or predator-based strategies:

  • Lady Beetles (Coccinellidae): Many lady beetle species are voracious predators of scale insects in their larval and adult stages. For instance, the vedalia beetle (Rodolia cardinalis) has been successfully used to control cottony cushion scale in citrus groves.
  • Cryptolaemus montrouzieri: Often referred to as the mealybug ladybird, this beetle is a voracious predator of mealybugs in both its larval and adult stages. It has been used successfully in various agricultural systems to control mealybug populations.
  • Lacewings (Chrysopidae): Green and brown lacewings consume scale insects during their larval stages. Green lacewing larvae are effective predators of mealybugs, consuming them at various stages of their development. Their larvae are known as “aphid lions” for their predatory efficiency.
  • Parasitic Wasps: Tiny wasps, such as Aphytis melinus and Encarsia spp., specialize in parasitizing scale insects. They lay their eggs in or on the scale insect, and the developing larvae consume the scale from the inside. Several species of parasitic wasps, such as Leptomastix dactylopii, target mealybugs specifically. These wasps lay their eggs in or on mealybug larvae, and the hatching wasps consume the mealybugs from the inside.
  • Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are fungi that infect and kill a wide range of insect pests, including scale and mealybug insects. These fungi are particularly useful in humid environments where they can naturally proliferate and infect scale populations.
  • Isaria fumosorosea (formerly known as Paecilomyces fumosoroseus) is a naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus that acts as a biological control agent against a wide range of insect pests, including mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and other soft-bodied insects. It infects its hosts through the cuticle, leading to the pest’s death, and is particularly useful in integrated pest management (IPM) systems in organic agriculture and greenhouse settings.

Below you will see a list of organic products that have scale and/or mealybugs on their labels. These include some of the beneficial fungi listed above as well as botanical oils and the still very popular Azadirachtin extracted from the neem tree. You can just look through this short list or click on the link below to either see it on your computer or download and use as an Excel file.