In the spring, from sowing, germination and emergence at the start of the growing season until the formation of several pairs of leaves later on, a number of economically important pests from different animal groups cause damage to sunflowers. These pests cause sunflower crops to thin out or may cause them to develop patches of varying size without any plants left. Not infrequently, large areas under sunflower become destroyed and must be replanted as a result. The most important soil insect pests of sunflower are the larvae of the family Elateridae (wireworms) and those of the family Scarabaeidae, while the most important among insects attacking newly emerged young sunflowers are Tanymecus dilaticollis, Psalidium maxillosum and Acheta deserta. Planted seeds and seedlings of sunflower are occasionally destroyed by various species of birds, such as pheasant (Phasianus colehicus), rock pigeon (Columba livia), rook (Corvus frugilegus), collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto), European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), and others. The most dangerous rodent species to sunflower is the common hamster (Cricetus cricetus), which may destroy sunflower plants to cause damage of catastrophic proportions. In recent years, large damages in some areas have also been caused by the brown hare (Lepus europaeus). The timely and correct implementation of cultural practices is of great importance for pest reduction in sunflower growing. Also, seed treatment with insecticides will give good results in the control of harmful insects. This method of insecticide application has been accepted in practice.