Announcement from University of Illinois specialty crop entomology lab:
We are monitoring for melonworms throughout the state this year! Last year, several of our pumpkin growers in the area had a late season infestation of caterpillars eating their pumpkins. The specialty crops entomology lab and U of I Extension are going to be investigating this pest this season. If you are growing pumpkins or really any squash or melon and would like to help us out, contact Kacie Athey, kathey@illinois.edu and request a trap and lure. These traps use a pheromone lure so only melonworms should end up in them. You will just need to check them once a week and let us know if there are any moths present. Click on melonworms for more information.
If you have questions about this project, you may contact Laura Ingwell (lingwell@purdue.edu) or Kacie Athey (kathey@illinois.edu)