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 have just begun in some of these areas thus far, but we expect more intense increases very soon given heat unit accumulations. Low risks are initially predicted for northern Kansas and southern/eastern Nebraska, with Moderate risks then entering the forecast later this week and into next weekend as the flight increases. Low risks are also being introduced to the forecast across Indiana, Ohio, and southern lower Michigan by late week and into next weekend. 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.