[6] As the infestation develops symptoms include: weak stems, damage to growing parts, prevention of flowering and dead hearts.

[7] Planting early can avoid serious infestation and application of nitrogen (commercial product, manure or compost) can enhance the crop's tolerance to an attack.

[6] Nitrogen in the soil can also be increased by rotating maize and sorghum with a non-host legume crops e.g. cowpea.

This can also prevent pest build-up in the field [5][6][7][8] The Ministry of Agriculture in Zambia, who are partners of the CABi-led programme, Plantwise recommend breaking the stems by ploughing or harrowing after harvest to expose caterpillars to natural enemies and extreme weather which can limit the pest the following season.

[9] Furthermore, Napier grass produces smells that can attract the stem borer's natural enemies.

Napier grass is a feed crop for animals, and its root system helps prevent soil erosion.

[3][4][5][8] Due to variable regulations around (de-)registration of pesticides, specific chemical control methods may differ between countries.

Text taken from Plantwise Factsheets for Farmers: Tephrosia spray against maize stalk borer​, Dennis Mooya, CABI.

Text taken from Plantwise Factsheets for Farmers: Neem sprays against African stalk borer in Maize​, Brian Chisunka, CABI.

Text taken from PMDG: Stalk borer in maize and Sorghum - Zambia​, Demian Mabote Ndalamei, CABI.

Text taken from Plantwise Factsheets for Farmers: Intercrop maize with cowpea against stalk borer​, Liberatus W. Msasa, Happiness C. Lopa & Jubilant Mwangi, CABI.

Text taken from PMDG: African maize stalk borer - Tanzania​, Jeremiah Sembosi, Joyce Bakengi & Jubilant Mwangi, CABI.

Text taken from Plantwise Factsheets for Farmers: Pull and push crops against borers in maize​, Albert Mate, CABI.