Lep Monitoring Network – Black Cutworm and True Armyworm # 5

We are in our fifth week of monitoring for black cutworm (BCW) and true armyworm (AMW) across Ohio. Despite our cold, rainy week last week, BCW numbers are still high in some counties, whereas AMW has slightly decreased throughout the state. We are planning to monitor for BCW and AMW for one more week and then switch our traps over to corn earworm (CEW) and Western bean cutworm (WBC). Read below for more specific county information. 

Black cutworm

A number of counties are still reporting high trap numbers for BCW. Over the past week our team has monitored 51 traps in 20 counties. Our overall statewide average was down slightly this past week to 7.5 (from 7.9 last week). 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 Hardin, Heron, Henry, Lucas, Mahoning, Muskingum, Putnam, and Trumbull. (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 5

May 19^th to May 25^th, 2025

Figure 1. Average black cutworm (BCW) moths captured from May 19^th to May 25^th. The bold number on the left indicates the average moth count for the week, followed by the standard number which indicates the total traps set up in that county.

True Armyworm

We also monitored 49 traps in 20 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 slightly decreased this week at 3.0 moths (from last week’s average of 3.8). Similar to last week, only 4 counties reported an average of 7 or more moths and those counties include Henry, Putnam, Muskingum, and Wood (different counties than last week).

True Armyworm Moth Map

Week 5

May 19^th to May 25^th, 2025

Figure 2. Average true armyworm (AMW) moths captured from May 19^th to May 25^th. The bold number indicates the average moth count for the week, followed by the standard number which indicates the total traps set up in that county.