The annual western bean cutworm moth flight is expected to increase in the next week or two in the usual “hot spot” areas for this particular insect. Moth captures are now increasing in some parts of the Plains states, and Moderate risks are in place for far northern Kansas into portions of southern Nebraska with Low risks surrounding the Moderate risk in these same states. Low risks are also being introduced to the forecast across Indiana, Ohio, and southern lower Michigan as the annual flight gets underway in that area. Growers with more advanced crops and also those in areas with a history of western bean cutworms should begin trapping efforts now, if not already, and prepare to begin scouting fields near or in critical growth stages here in the next 2-3 weeks. Treatment timing is critical with western bean cutworms, so even though we are likely a little bit of time away from peak flight and egg-laying, preparations should begin now in an effort to not be caught off-guard.