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Southwestern corn borer (Diatraea grandiosella) is a pest in sweet corn that is very similar in biology and damage to the European corn borer. Generally, southwestern corn borer moth flights are two or three weeks after those of European corn borer. This pest is generally restricted to the western half of the state.

Southwestern corn borer larva

(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team, University of Kentucky)

Southwestern corn borer adult 

(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team, University of Kentucky)

Management: 

• Same as for the European corn borer. A very effective pheromone trap can be used to monitor moth activity.

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