As temperatures rise and fields start to green up, the quiet of early spring may not last long. Insects, both familiar and new, are beginning to stir—and what happens next could have a big impact on crops, trees, and even our weekend hikes. State Entomologist PJ Liesch shares what to watch for and when to take action.

Already this spring, black cutworm and true armyworm moths have been caught in traps across the state. That’s a sign farmers should be on alert. “If I were a farmer, I’d be scouting fields for caterpillars over the next few weeks,” Liesch says. He notes armyworms often cause problems again in late July.

Farmers with alfalfa may want to check for insect damage early. Liesch adds, “If you’ve had issues in the past, now is the time to be watching.”