Historically, worms (Lepidopterous larvae; -beet armyworm, cabbage looper and corn earworm) are the most important pests of desert pruduce during September and October. So, it is no surprise that worms are everywhere particularly in Dome Valley where heavy beet armyworm pressure has been reported over the past week or so. Many PCAs have reported that armyworm have been infesting lettuce as early as 8 days after wet date, which seems quicker than usual. Corn earworm larvae have also been reported in a few fields. Here at the Yuma Ag Center, one can easily find newly new egg masses and neonate beet armyworm larvae on 10 day old lettuce and broccoli stands. Cabbage loopers are beginning to show up and their populations will likely increase. Remember, temperatures drive larval development and adult moth activity, particularly when night time temps remain high (in the mid-70s or higher). The moths are nocturnal and will actively oviposit when evenings are warm and winds are light. With shorter days coming, the moths have more time to lay eggs at night. As long as the average temperature remains around 80-85°F, worms should be active at damaging levels. Those ideal conditions are consistent with the weather forecast for the next 10 days (daytime highs in the low 100’s and nighttime lows in the mid 70’s). Fortunately, there are a number of very effective insecticides that can be applied as stand-alone foliar products that provide effective residual control of both of these lepidopterous species. Radiant, Proclaim, Intrepid, Avaunt and any one of the Diamide products (Belt, Coragen, Exirell, Vetica, and Voliam Xpress) can provide good knockdown and extended residual control of armyworms and loopers. Addition of a pyrethroid often enhances knockdown of corn earworm and cabbage looper for many of the products. Of course, residual control will often depend on the rate applied. In general, the higher the rate, the longer the residual. But this will also depend on plant size at time of application and how fast the plant is growing. Before selecting a product for worm control, be conscious of products (chemistries) previously used on the crop. Avoid using products with the same mode of action more than twice on any given field. More information on the insecticides available for effective control of beet armyworm and cabbage looper can be found in this document: Lepidopterous Larvae Management in Desert Produce Crops, 2015.