The moth population in the fall can be determined by using light traps or pheromone traps to monitor moth flights. This information can be used to predict the risk of serious infestations the following spring. Light traps collect a number of other species of moths and other insects, making moth identification difficult. If traps are used they should be set up in mid-August and monitored through September. Estimating the severity of an infestation of pale western cutworms in wheat is difficult.
Infestations tend to be spotty throughout the field.
Scouting should be done early to avoid severe damage in localized areas. When scouting, look for leaf damage that occurs early. Another indication is the presence of a few dead or wilting tillers in wheat. Population density can be assessed by digging and screening the soil from 1 foot of row. The sample should be dug to a depth of at least 3 inches and extend from row center to row center.