Crops Affected: Wide variety of ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, and field crops

States Affected: All states

Life Cycle: This moth, also called the Pearly Underwing Moth, overwinters as mature larvae or pupae in the soil. In spring, females lay eggs on stems and foliage. Larvae feed by cutting young plants at the soil line at night and dragging the foliage into a shelter. They hide during the day and curl up when disturbed. There are typically 3 to 4 generations per year.

Damage: Larvae cut down seedlings and young plants. When too large to cut, they climb the plants and feed on foliage, buds, flowers, and may bore into fruits.

Season to Trap: March to October

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. B.t, spinosad, and other insecticides are available for this species. Field sanitation to prevent overwintering.