The hickory shuckworm has been reported as one of the more important insect pests attacking pecan. Cultural control practices such as burning or burying old shucks to prevent adult emergence was the most common means of control prior to the advent of modern insecticides. Eventually growers became totally dependent on chemical control. Today we still rely on insecticides as the principle means of controlling the hickory shuckworm.

During the last 15 years, researchers have investigated the possibilities of using blacklight traps for detection and/or suppression of shuckworm populations. Though impractical for suppression of the shuckworm, blacklight traps have been shown to be a valuable tool in monitoring shuckworm activity throughout the growing season.

Except for the biology of the shuckworm and insecticide screening, most research on the hickory shuckworm and its control has been superficial. Researchers have delved into various alternative control procedures. However, many of these programs are “initial studies” and not enough is yet known to incorporate them into a workable pest management program.