High temperatures are bringing bugs out early in Missouri

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Intro:	Temperatures in the upper 80's and a mild winter are creating perfect conditions for bugs to come out unusually early. Their appearance could create problems for crops and the economy.
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Wrap: Bugs are expected to create problems for farmers growing corn and other crops this year due to unreasonably warm weather.

University of Missouri researcher and entomologist Wayne Bailey says the bugs are out three weeks earlier than normal and farmers could lose twenty percent of their corn crop due to worms.

Bailey says the majority of the bugs are migrating early from southern states.

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Description: "If we look at some of the more southern states they've had a very easy winter and so there is good survivorship of the insects and we are seeing more of those migrants coming up...the army worms and cut worms and some of those that go to field crops in higher numbers already."

He also says there is a noticeable increase in the mosquito and tick population.

Ticks are particularly dangerous as they carry infectious diseases such as Lyme disease.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Joe Chiodo.

Intro:	According to one MU researcher unusually warm weather has some downfalls for farmers. An early arrival of summer insects is expected to cause problems for farmers and their crops.
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Wrap: Bugs are arriving in the area three weeks early and farmers beginning to plant corn should consistently check their fields to make sure worms are not eating the crop.

University of Missouri Researcher and entomologist Wayne Bailey says this is the most reliable way to ensure the early arrival of bugs in the area does not cut into their profits.

He says this year is different than most.

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Description: "Usually the corn is put in so that it's large enough so the insect doesn't bother it when the insect comes in a little later. This year the insect is coming in even before a lot of the corn is planted. So we're going to have large worms and small corn plants and that often leads to problems.

Wayne says farmers could lose up to twenty percent of their crop from insects.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Joe Chiodo

Intro:	It may not be summer yet, but don't be too surprised if you happen to get a bug bite or two. This year's mild winter and high temperatures have created perfect conditions for the arrival of insects.
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Wrap: Pesticide and bug spray will be broken out three weeks early this year as the warm weather is attracting bugs at an unusual time.

University of Missouri Researcher and entomologist Wayne Bailey says the weather is allowing insects to migrate from southern states earlier than normal.

He says right now it is obvious two bugs are already becoming a problem.

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Description: "We're probably going to have a very healthy tick population this year and we're also getting calls on mosquitoes coming out."

Bailey says farmers should consistently check their farms to make sure insects are not ruining their crops.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Joe Chiodo