Which method is least effective for monitoring cutworm populations?

Using pitfall traps is considered the least effective method for monitoring cutworm populations primarily because cutworms are primarily nocturnal and spend most of their time buried in the soil or hiding under debris during the day. Pitfall traps, while useful for capturing ground-dwelling insects, may not effectively capture cutworms that are not active on the surface during the day.

In contrast, pheromone traps are specifically designed to attract adult moths, providing a direct indication of moth activity and potential egg-laying sites. Checking for damage during the blooming season allows for timely assessments of plant health, which can correlate with cutworm presence and feeding activity. Conducting visual inspections enables close monitoring of known cutworm habitats, allowing for the observation of the larvae themselves. All of these methods are more aligned with the life cycle and behavior of cutworms compared to the passive nature of pitfall traps.