Lep Monitoring Network – Black Cutworm and True Armyworm Update # 4

We are in our fourth week of monitoring for black cutworm (BCW) and true armyworm (AMW) across Ohio. We had some warm days over the past week and our moth numbers are still high in a number of counties, with the majority of high numbers in the northwest part of the state. Read below for more specific information. 

Black cutworm

A number of counties are still reporting high trap numbers for BCW. Over the past week our team has monitored 52 traps in 21 counties. Our overall statewide average was down this past week to 7.9 (it was 11.0 last week), and with the upcoming cold weather, it will likely continue to decrease. We recommend monitoring fields until plants reach the v6 growth stage, especially in counties that have had averages of 7 moths or more per week. This week those counties include Allen, Hardin, Henry, Lucas, Madison, Muskingum, Van Wert and Wood (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 12^th to May 18^th, 2025

Figure 1. Average black cutworm (BCW) moths captured from May 12^th to May 18^th. 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

We also monitored 50 traps in 21 counties for AMW moths (Figure 2). We are still seeing AMW, but it seems to be in fewer counties across Ohio compared to BCW. Our overall statewide average stayed consistent this week at 3.8 moths (slightly higher than last weeks average of 3.2). Similar to last week, only 3 counties reported an average of 7 moths or more and those counties include Henry, Van Wert and Wood (the same counties as last week).

True Armyworm moth map

Week 3: May 12^th to May 18^th, 2025

Figure 2. Average true armyworm (AMW) moths captured from May 12^th to May 18^th. 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.