Abstract  [Aim] To clarify the geographic distribution of Tuta absoluta in Shandong Province, to monitor its population dynamics in greenhouses under different planting patterns (crop rotations), and to evaluate the efficacy of different control methods for this pest. [Methods]  The distribution of T. absoluta was determined using sex pheromone traps deployed at seventeen sites across Shandong Province. In addition, systematic monitoring of its population dynamics was conducted in Pingdu City, an area of intensive tomato cultivation. [Results]  T. absoluta was detected at 9 of the 17 survey sites, primarily in regions with intensive tomato cultivation such as Weifang, Zibo, Liaocheng and Qingdao. Based on local differences in tomato cultivation in greenhouses, tomato planting systems can be categorized into overwintering (OW), winter-spring (WS), and autumn-winter (AW), planting. In the OW and SA systems, there was minimal occurrence of T. absoluta from early October to late November, and a relatively low percentage of damaged tomatoes in December. In these planting systems, the number of moths captured every two weeks was consistently below five. In the OW crop and AW planting systems, T. absoluta numbers were low from early January to late February, with less than 5 moths captured every two weeks. The peak of occurrence in these planting systems was from March to June, with more than 30 moths captured every two weeks. Covering tomato plants with insect-proof nets significantly reduced the adult population and the reduced the proportion of damaged plants by up to 57.1%. The efficacy of orientation-based techniques in pest control exceeds 60%, effectively reducing the population size and impact of invasive species. [Conclusion]  T. absoluta could rapidly become a serious pest in Shandong Province. It is crucial, therefore, to effectively monitor the occurrence of this pest in different areas in order to facilitate effective, integrated, pest management.