The 1995 insect year was easily the most damaging since 1977. Using information from the annual Beltwide Cotton Insect Losses Survey, 1995 losses were compared with the average insect losses and control costs for all insects on beltwide basis during the previous six year period, 89-94. Percent yield loss was 6.83 vs 11.08% for 1995 and bales lost were 1.08 million vs 2.275 million in 1995. Six year average cost of control per acre was $39.44 vs $57.93 for 1995. This resulted in total control costs of $468 million vs $889 million for 1995. When total lost yield and control costs are combined, the estimate for 89-94 was $857 million compared to a whopping $1.68 billion for 1995 - more than twice as much. Based on estimates of acres treated, almost all pests were heavier than normal and more widespread. A series of mild winters was experienced across much of the cotton belt. In general, insect pests occurred earlier and in higher numbers than expected. As a result, the natural enemy complex really took a beating as a result of early season treatments made for thrips, aphids, over-wintered boll weevils, June populations of tobacco budworms, lygus and plant bugs, fleahoppers, and weevil eradication treatments.