Army cutworm is found throughout the western states. Most outbreaks occur in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions of the United States and southern Canada. Army cutworm is found in all agricultural areas of Colorado, although it is mostly a pest of winter grains, sugarbeets and alfalfa. Scouting and Treatment. Monitor wheat fields periodically during late winter and early spring.
Army cutworm is a foliage feeder but usually hides during the day.
Larvae can be found under soil clods and surface debris, usually near the base of the plant. Occasionally they are found feeding on cloudy days and during the evening. Because of the sporadic nature of outbreaks, management is limited to insecticides. Pyrethroid insecticides, as a group, have been the most effective in Colorado State University tests. Army cutworm feeding has the most effect on yield when there is relatively little foliage for them to feed on, which increases the likelihood of damage to the crown.