In drip irrigated cotton, insect pests are of greater concern than they are in other production systems. The increased production costs associated with drip irrigation mean less losses can be tolerated. The extended production season necessitated by drip irrigation makes the crop vulnerable to pests for a longer period of time and allows for better insect survival over the winter and in the early spring. Unlike in other systems, the lush, stress-free drip irrigated cotton is attractive to pests throughout the season.

Drip irrigators should evaluate their options for stalk destruction to control pests in the fall and winter. Conventional tillage equipment may not be compatible with the drip irrigation system.

Chemigation through the drip lines can be used to reduce insecticide application costs associated with controlling those pests which feed by sucking sap.