One moth may lay 50 to 150 eggs. Newly hatched larvae usually descend from the nut clusters to feed on the buds just below, but return to the clusters after a few days to attack the newly-set nuts. Most casebearer damage is done by these larva. The next generation causes less damage. Each second generation larva normally completes its development within a single nut.
Later generations feed mostly in the shuck at the base of the nut and do little damage.
There are 3 to 4 generations per year. However, light infestations do not require control. Monitor adult emergence with pheromone traps placed by mid-April. Begin checking for damage one week after first moth catch. Careful scouting is required.