Abstract The highest larval mortality and tef yield were obtained with emulsion sprays of cypermethrin, fenitrothion, endosulfan and diazinon in field assessments of red tef worm control, and yields were increased by up to 50% in 1983 and up to 80% in 1984. Effective control of larvae was also obtained with u.l.v. sprays applied with a hand‐held spinning disc sprayer over a 6m swath. One correctly timed insecticide spray per season is needed to reduce crop losses due to red tef worm to below economic levels, but adequate field checks are neeeded to optimise its timing.