May is the month to look for alfalfa weevils in your fields. Alfalfa weevils are not always a problem, but in some years can reduce forage yield and quality. In most years by the time the population reaches any significant level the alfalfa is ready to harvest and this serves as the management control method without the need to apply an insecticide. However, there are times when the development of the weevil is ahead of the alfalfa growth and insecticide treatments are warranted.
Learn more about scouting for and managing this pest from NNY CCE Field Crops Educator Mike Hunter