[Objectives]  The trapping efficiency of food attractant on cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) moths was evaluated under field conditions to provide a basis for developing mass trapping technology for this pest. [Methods]  We tested the effectiveness of food attractant on cotton bollworm moths in sticky traps, quadrate traps and with the splashing method in Changji and Shihezi (Xinjiang), Xinxiang (Henan) and Langfang (Hebei) during 2016-2017. [Results]  Cotton bollworm moths were effectively attracted by food attractant using sticky and quadrate traps in cotton, peanut and corn fields at each site. The average number of moths trapped per day with the splashing method was 4.4-16.2 times that using quadrate traps. [Conclusion]  Food attractant is suitable for the mass trapping of cotton bollworm moths in different crop fields and different sites. The quadrate trap is most suitable for monitoring of the cotton bollworm moth population, whereas the splashing method is best for the prevention and control of this pest.