Cutworms feed at night, causing damage, while during the day, they hide at the base of plants or burrow into the upper soil layer. When disturbed, they curl into a characteristic ‘C’ shape. Mature larvae tend to burrow deeper into the soil. Young larvae feed on leaves, whereas adult-stage larvae cut plants at the base. They sever seedlings and young plants at the soil surface, particularly where stems make contact with the ground. Once an area is infested, cutworm outbreaks often recur annually, with infestations spreading from nearby fields. High soil moisture and prolonged wet conditions increase infestation levels.