Insecticides from different chemical groups were tested by laboratory bioassay to verify the percentage mortality of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner 1808) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The experiment was conducted in the Crop Science laboratory—Prof. CinobelinaElvas Campus—UFPI, Bom Jesus, PI, from January to June, 2013. The populations utilized came from the University’s own insect breeding laboratories. Third instar larvae of H. armigera were used to conduct the bioassay. The experimental design was fully randomized, with 13 treatments and four replications. Five larvae were used per replication, with 12 insecticides from 9 different chemical groups and a control. Each treatment consisted of three doses. The methods of application used were topical contact and ingestion in artificial diet. According to the results the percentage mortality of H. armigera larvae varied among the treatments. The results demonstrated that chlorpyrifos and spinosad were effective against third instar H. armigera larvae both on contact and by ingestion. Flubendiamide, acephate, methomyl, Bacillus thuringiensis, dimethoate, chlorantraniliprole and fipronil had good responses to control of H. armigera.