Crops Affected: Corn, peppers, apples, soybeans, cotton, hops, oats, potatoes

States Affected: Iowa Z-strain - East of the Rockies. New York E-strain - Northeastern states.

Life Cycle: This pest winters as a mature larva within corn stalks and plant debris. In spring, these overwintering larvae pupate, emerging as moths in late May and early June. Female moths are pale yellow-brown with dark, wavy bands on their wings, while males are darker and smaller. Mating occurs in early June (first generation) and late July/early August (second generation) in grassy areas near cornfields. Females lay 15 to 30 eggs on corn leaves, sheaths, or ears, depending on the generation. The first generation prefers tall, lush corn, while the second targets actively pollinating, late-planted corn.

Damage: Damage is characterized by broken leaves and stalks, often featuring distinctive "shot hole" damage to leaves and the presence of frass. During the second generation, borers may cause stalk or tassel breakage or bore into ear shanks, leading to ear detachment. They can also invade the ears, consuming kernels and cob, causing yield losses and vulnerability to secondary pests and pathogens like ear rots. Regardless of their point of attack, second-generation borer damage can result in grain loss, harvesting complications, and diminished grain quality.

Season to Trap: May to August

How To Use: Hang trap with lure inside at shoulder height near at risk or affected crops. Replace lures every 30 days through the season, and replace traps when 70% saturated. Adult males are attracted to the pheromones in the lure and the color of the traps in this kit. Once they land on the sticky trap, they become ensnared, never to mate or lay eggs again.

Additional IPM Solutions: Avoid practices that destroy or disrupt native beneficial insects. Apply B.t. during egg laying to target larvae before they enter the ears. Remove corn stubble to prevent overwintering; combine with plowing for greater effectiveness.