Abstract  [Aim]  To compare the occurrence of the main pests in intercropped soybean and maize fields to that in soybean or maize monocultures in order to improve pest control strategies. [Methods]  Five attractants and traps were set up for five main pest species (Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera exigua, Spodoptera litura, Ostrinia furnacalis and Riptortus pedestris) in mixed soybean-maize crops and in soy and maize monocultures. [Results]  The number of H. armigera and O. furnacalis trapped in intercropped areas was significantly higher than in monocultures (P < 0.05). The number of R. pedestris trapped in intercropped areas was also higher than in monocultures (P > 0.05), but not significantly so, which suggests that intercropping soy and maize may promote the occurrence of these three pest species. Fewer S. litura were, however, trapped in intercropped areas than in monocultures. Fewer S. exigua were trapped in maize monocultures than in soybean monocultures, but this difference was not significant (F = 0.51，P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the occurrence and peak abundance of H. armigera, S. litura, O. furnacalis and R. pedestris between intercropped areas and monocultures. However, the second occurrence peak of S. exigua occurred 1-2 weeks later in intercropped areas than in monocultures. [Conclusion]  Not all pests are effectively controlled by intercropping soybean and maize. These results can be used to predict the occurrence of the next generation of pest larvae, which is useful for the implementation of local prevention and control technology.