We compared three control strategies against European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner) in maize with respect to carabid beetles, beneficial epigeal arthropods. The impact of the focal treatment (insect resistant Bt maize MON 810) was compared with conventionally farmed and Trichogramma-treated plots at two sites (Prague-Ruzyně and Ivanovice na Hané) in the Czech Republic, replicated in three cropping seasons (2002–2004). The sampled assemblages were species-poor. The species were unevenly distributed in terms of their catch size – the communities were dominated by 7 (Ruzyně) or 3 (Ivanovice) species. No differences were found in species richness or species composition between treatments, seasons or sites, suggesting no effect of planting transgenic insect resistant Bt maize MON 810 on the assemblages of carabid beetles in the study fields.