The annual Wheat Midge Survey continues to monitor populations across Alberta and Saskatchewan, providing growers and retailers with valuable insight for the upcoming 2026 growing season.
The 2025 survey results (below) indicate regional variability in wheat midge populations across the Prairies. As in previous years, certain areas are forecast to have higher risk, while others are expected to see lower population pressure. These maps offer a regional snapshot of viable wheat midge larvae present in the soil last fall and help estimate the potential risk for 2026.
2025 survey results
The Wheat Midge Survey collects post-harvest soil samples from wheat fields using standard soil probes. Larval cocoons are extracted, counted and assessed to determine how many viable (live, non-parasitized) midge are present. Forecast maps are based on these viable larvae counts, which help estimate potential risk for the upcoming season.
Alberta Highlights
- 298 samples were taken from 62 counties.
- Wheat midge populations were low across the province in 2025.
- Overall parasitism rates were 23% in infested fields, increasing from 6% in 2024.
- In fields where parasitoids were present, rates varied from 25% to 50%, with parasitism rates particularly high in central Alberta.
Note: Adequate moisture conditions can be even more important for the parasitoids than for the midge.
Read the full 2025 Alberta Wheat Midge Survey Map
Saskatchewan highlights
- 414 samples were collected
- Wheat midge population increases were comparable to those seen in 2024 and in approximately the same regions.
- A Regina-area hotspot continued to grow in 2025.
- Elevated midge populations were detected in large areas of Central and Southeast Saskatchewan, along with elevated numbers in the East.
Read the full 2025 Saskatchewan Wheat Midge Survey Map
Plan ahead: Stewardship and monitoring
No matter the forecast, proactive monitoring remains one of the most effective management tools. Consider the following as you prepare for the season ahead:
- Review past wheat samples for evidence of midge downgrading
- Monitor adult activity through scouting in June and July
- Use pheromone traps to detect local emergence
- Follow updates from the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network
- Participate in monitoring initiatives such as the #midgebusters
Pheromone trapping remains a valuable way to detect emergence in your own fields. Local monitoring data helps improve regional forecasting and supports informed decision-making across the Prairies.
Stay diligent
As we head into another growing season, continued stewardship – including proper use of Midge Tolerant Wheat, following refuge requirements, and ongoing monitoring – will help preserve the effectiveness of available tools like Midge Tolerant Wheat and protect the long-term sustainability of Prairie wheat production.
Join the pheromone monitoring network here:
