The sky blue eggs are laid singly on stems leaves and bracts and hatch in to larvae that rapidly seek out and penetrate seed capsules (i.e. bolls).

The most effective chemical treatments against this pest include sprays that are directed against the eggs and first instar, because after this stage the larvae remain inside the bolls.

[3] The main infestation occurs during mid to late crop stage, and as the pupae can undergo diapause, the pest readily survives the dry season.

Integrated pest management includes implementation of a close season, during which farmers' fields must be cleared of all cotton plant material for at least two months; this has been mandatory in Zimbabwe since the 1930s and in Malawi since 1965.

In the presence of a continuous supply of food plant material populations can increase and cause severe crop loss.