Management of European corn borer in cotton has not been as successful as with other pest insects (e.g., bollworm). As in other crops, its cryptic behavior and tunneling habit make it very difficult to treat remedially with insecticides.

Cultural management techniques that prevent a late, lush, and tall crop can be very important in minimizing European corn borer infestations. Practices such as early planting, selection of early maturing cultivars, not exceeding recommended nitrogen rates, and using a plant growth regulator can create a crop that is less attractive to late-season European corn borer moths.

Insecticidal control of European corn borer depends on other cotton pests. When European corn borer moth invasion in cotton coincides with bollworm or tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens) invasion, cover spray insecticides directed toward bollworms and tobacco budworm usually control European corn borer moths also. However, when European corn borer moth flights occur after bollworm or tobacco budworm spraying has ended, damaging infestations of European corn borer may become established. Therefore, when European corn borer is recognized as a probable pest (e.g., in late developing fields with succulent plants), bollworm cover sprays should be continued in order to manage later-occurring infestations of European corn borer or treat when 3 percent or more of plants have young live larvae.