We just finished monitoring week 3 of black cutworm (BCW) and true armyworm (AMW) across Ohio. This past week was rainy, but temperatures were warm which resulted in an increased BCW average but a decrease in our average AMW counts. Read below for more specific information.
Black cutworm
Over the past week BCW trap numbers remained high for many counties in Ohio. A total of 50 traps in 19 counties participated in the monitoring. Our overall statewide average was up a bit at 11.0 moths compared to last week which was 9.3. Also, 9 counties out of 19 saw an increase in BCW numbers over the past week. This means the moths are still active and in flight across the state. We recommend keeping a close eye on fields in counties with averages of 7 moths or more per week. This week those counties include Allen, Auglaize, Defiance, Hardin, Henry, Lucas, Muskingum, and Van Wert (Figure 1).
For more information on how to scout BCW please visit: https://aginsects.osu.edu/sites/aginsects/files/imce/ENT_35_14 BCW.pdf
Black cutworm moth map
Week 3: May 5th to May 11th, 2025
Figure 1. Average black cutworm (BCW) moths captured from May 5th to May 11th. The bold number on the left indicates the average moth count for the week, followed by the standard number on the right which indicates the total traps set up in that county.
True Armyworm
Over the past week the Lep Network also monitored 46 traps in 18 counties for true armyworm (Figure 2). Our overall statewide average from last week continued on the downward trend of only 3.2 moth (down from 4.7 previously). Only 3 moths reported an average of 7 moths, those counties include Henry, Van Wert and Wood.
True Armyworm moth map
Week 3: May 5th to May 11th, 2025
Figure 2. Average true armyworm (AMW) moths captured from May 5th to May 11th. The bold number indicates the average moth count for the week, and the standard number in parentheses is the total number of traps set in that county.