Compiling a definitive “top 25” list of pests in Nebraska is challenging because the most significant pests vary based on context (agriculture, home, landscape) and year. However, based on common and damaging pests identified by Nebraska Extension and pest control services, here is a combined list of significant pests in the state:
- Western Corn Rootworm (Major pest of corn)
- Corn Earworm (Attacks corn ears)
- Aphids (Affecting wheat, corn, and other plants; includes Russian wheat aphid, corn leaf aphid)
- Soybean Gall Midge (Emerging, highly damaging pest of soybeans)
- Stink Bugs (Including Green and Brown Stink Bugs; damage corn and soybeans)
- Spider Mites (Arachnids, not insects, but major pests of corn and soybeans)
- Grasshoppers (Damage multiple crops and rangeland)
- Armyworms (Fall and True Armyworms; damage small grains and corn)
- Cutworms (Damage seedling corn and other plants)
- Wireworms (Larvae of click beetles; feed on seeds and roots)
- Japanese Beetle (Feeds on corn silks, soybeans, and other plants)
- Subterranean Termites (Cause billions in damage to structures)
- Ants (Numerous species like carpenter, odorous house, and pavement ants)
- Mice and Rats (Rodents that contaminate food and cause structural damage)
- Cockroaches (Vectors for disease, common household pests)
- Bed Bugs (Blood-feeding parasites, highly difficult to control)
- Social Wasps (Yellowjackets and Paper Wasps; sting risks)
- Spiders (Many species, with some like the Black Widow of concern)
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) (Invasive pest that damages fruits/vegetables and clusters indoors in fall.)
- Fleas (Affecting pets and people)
- Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) (Highly destructive to ash trees)
- Bagworms (Damage evergreen and deciduous trees/shrubs)
- Boxelder Bugs (Also listed above, they breed on boxelder trees)
- Fall Webworm (Creates unsightly webs on branches)
- Gypsy Moth (On the watch list, a serious defoliator of trees and shrubs)
This list covers the most commonly problematic pests in Nebraska across various categories, emphasizing those that cause economic loss or are significant nuisances