During summer months pupation occurs in 10-25 days. Multiple generations occur annually in Virginia. The following thresholds are for sweetcorn. Blacklight or pheromone traps are used for monitoring populations of corn earworm in the field. Traps should be in field before first tassles develop.
Monitor traps on a daily basis and keep annual records.
In corn, break off and discard worm infested tips of ears. Disk or rototill plants and culls immediately after harvest. Tiny parasitic Trichogramma and Hyposter wasps are important natural enemies. Treat with a registered insecticide. Apply in evening when fewer bees are working.