Insect Alert For

Corn Earworm

Risk Level:
Low
Affected Area:
Full page
Alert Details

Corn earworm migration risks are predicted to increase this week as no less than two separate weather systems move through the corn-growing region. With crops either being harvested or past critical growth stages in the southern source regions, corn earworm moths are likely to begin increasing in numbers further north as they seek out new food and water sources as well as regions to lay eggs. Low risks are predicted on increasing southerly winds tonight into tomorrow mainly west of I-35. Moderate risks have now been introduced to the forecast tomorrow night into Wednesday morning across portions of Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois as south to southwest winds along with a cold front moving in from the north sets up a favorable migration corridor for potential scattered moth flights. Low risks extend into the southern Great Lakes and eastern corn-growing region as this first cold front departs mid to late week (on weaker winds), but the whole pattern is expected to re-load across the Plains and western corn-growing region late week and into next weekend with Low risks in place, for now, and the potential for additional elevated risks by that time. Stay tuned as we move forward in the next few weeks as corn earworm moth captures are expected to increase when the weather pattern is favorable for migration events.