Hi Karen,
I found the apples to be more effective than the potatoes when dealing with the wireworms.
These seem to be more of a problem with newly cultivated land, i.e., land that was previously pasture for a long time, and their numbers decrease over time through baiting etc.
As I am sure Charles will tell you pests are a fact of life that we have to deal with but only become a real problem when their numbers grow out of proportion to their natural predators,
Controlling their numbers requires a multipronged approach throughout the year not just during the growing season.
I personally use pellets and traps (bear, timber boards) to control Slugs/Snails and very occasional hunting at night. Companion planting is also effective for attracting predators or as trap crops, Nasturtium (attract Black Flies away from Peas etc), French Marigolds, (it is said their roots emit a substance which will kill some soil born nematodes). A nettle patch is particularly helpful for attracting Ladybirds. A Bug Hotel is also a great way to attract predatory insects. Hog Houses and small ponds are also very effective for attracting predators.
Fleece and netting are also required at certain times of course to deal with our flying friends.
Keeping your plot tidy is also a very important aspect of dealing with pests, don’t leave rubbish/plant debris lying about.
As I said, pest control requires a proactive, as opposed to a reactive, multipronged approach.
Don.