When mature, the larvae pupate in an earthen cell in the soil. Adults begin emerging in late June and continue emerging until late August and early September. Females lay eggs during late August and early September. These eggs undergo embryonic development immediately, and then go into diapause until the following spring. There is one generation each year.
Cutworms are easiest to control when they are small.
Fields should be checked regularly to detect the presence of small larvae so that applications of insecticides can be properly timed. Small larvae can be sampled with a sweep net and older larvae can be sampled by examining the soil surface under trash. Larvae feed at night and hide during the day, so sampling should be done early in the morning or by soil sampling. Several species of parasites attack larvae, but their populations seldom reach high enough levels to regulate the cutworm population. Insecticides may be used to control larvae, but they must be used carefully to protect natural enemies and pollinators.