We are now in our fifth week of monitoring for black cutworm (BCW) and true armyworm (AMW). After this week, we only have two weeks remaining for monitoring BCW and AMW before we switch our lures to western bean cutworm (WBC) and corn earworm (CEW). In this newsletter article we are reporting findings from May 11th through May 17th. This past week the weather has warmed up quite a bit and while we saw an overall decrease in the statewide average for BCW and AMW, both moth species are still very active across Ohio.
Black cutworm
Over the past week we monitored a total of 48 traps in 17 counties and saw a slight decrease in our statewide average, which is now at 7.7 moths (down from 9.8 moths the previous week). Another week of decrease in numbers means we are likely past our peak BCW flight in some counties – but moths are still out and laying eggs so make sure you are monitoring into mid-June for this pest. Counties that had averages of 7.0 moths or more are over our threshold level and encouraged to scout your fields in the next two weeks. These counties included Clinton, Defiance, Lucas, Portage, Putnam, Trumbull, Wayne 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 5: May 11th to May 17th, 2026
Figure 1. Black cutworm (BCW) moths captured from May 11th to May 17th. The bold number indicates the average moth count for the week, followed by the total number of traps in that county.
True Armyworm
True armyworm was also monitored last week with 45 traps in 17 counties (Figure 2). The statewide average for the week also remains high, but overall decreased to 16.4 moths (down from an average of 18.3 the previous week). Don’t let this decrease fool you – AMW is still very active, especially in northwest Ohio. Counties with averages higher than 7.0 moths include: Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Putnam, Van Wert, Wayne and Wood. Again, we suggest that counties with a weekly average of 7.0 moths scout for AMW larvae in the coming weeks.
True Armyworm Moth Map
Week 5: May 11th to May 17th, 2026
Figure 2. True armyworm moths captured from May 11th to May 17 th. The bold number indicates the average moth count for the week, followed by the total number of traps in that county.