How Do Green Horned Tomato Worms Get On Plants

Green horned tomato worms are a common pest that can wreak havoc on tomato plants. These caterpillar-like worms are voracious feeders and can quickly defoliate an entire plant. If you are wondering how these pests get on your tomato plants, here are a few things you should know.

Hitchhiking Worms

One of the primary ways that green horned tomato worms get on plants is by hitchhiking. These pests can be easily transported from one plant to another by attaching themselves to clothing, tools, or other objects. For example, if you were working in your garden and unwittingly brushed against a plant infested with green horned tomato worms, you could inadvertently transfer a few worms to the next plant you touch.

Another way these worms can hitchhike is through garden equipment. If you use the same hoe, rake, or trimmer on multiple plants, you could be spreading the worms from one to another.

Moths Lay Eggs

Green horned tomato worms are the larval form of the five-spotted hawkmoth. If you see these moths flying around your garden, it’s a sign that they may be laying eggs on your plants. The green horned tomato worm begins as an egg and hatches into the worm that you see on your plants.

The eggs are usually laid in groups or singly on the underside of leaves. Once the eggs hatch, the tiny worms will begin to feed on the foliage, eventually growing to the large size that we all recognize.

Contaminated Soil or Compost

If you are using contaminated soil or compost, you could inadvertently introduce these pests to your garden. Green horned tomato worms can burrow into the soil or find their way into compost heaps, where they can survive until they emerge as adult moths.

To avoid this problem, make sure you are using reliable sources for your soil and compost. Avoid sources where you have seen these pests or others, like aphids or whiteflies, which could also be harmful to your plants.

Conclusion

Green horned tomato worms are pests that can cause significant damage to your tomato plants. These pests can get on your plants through hitchhiking, moth eggs, or contaminated soil or compost. By being aware of how they can get on your plants, you can take steps to prevent infestations.

Some of the ways to prevent infestations include being mindful of what you are touching when you work in your garden, using separate equipment on different plants, and sourcing your soil and compost from reliable sources. By taking these steps, you can help to protect your tomato plants from green horned tomato worms and other harmful pests.