The beet webworm, Loxostege sticticalis L., is an important migratory insect pest of agricultural crops and livestock forage in northern China. Although previously not a significant pest, three recent outbreaks of the beet webworm caused significant economic losses. The approach of the fourth outbreak period therefore poses a serious risk to agriculture and animal husbandry in northern China. Obtaining more accurate information on the occurrence and migration of the beet webworm, and improving forecasting capability for this important migratory pest is therefore both timely and important. This paper reviews the distribution and outbreak regions of the beet webworm, its population dynamics, the kinds of crop damage it causes and its migration. Monitoring and forecasting techniques used in China and neighboring countries are assessed, and suggestions for improving monitoring and management in the fourth outbreak period are provided.