Introduction

Tomato hornworms are a type of caterpillar that can cause severe damage to tomato plants. Knowing how they get onto your plants can help prevent infestations and protect your precious harvest. In this article, we will explore the different ways tomato hornworms can find their way onto your plants and what you can do to prevent them.

Hitchhiking from Infected Plant to Healthy Plant

One of the most common ways tomato hornworms can get onto your plants is by hitchhiking. Adult moths fly over from infected plants and lay eggs on the leaves or stems of healthy plants. When the eggs hatch, the tiny caterpillars start feeding on the leaves and stems of your tomato plants, causing significant damage. To prevent this, make sure to inspect any new plants or transplants for signs of infestation before you bring them into your garden.

Attracted by Light

Tomato hornworms are attracted to light, so if you have outdoor lights that are used to illuminate your garden, the chances are that they will be attracted to it. As a result, they will be more likely to find their way onto your plants from nearby foliage. To prevent this, avoid using lights that shine onto your garden or install motion-detecting lights that only turn on when needed.

Attracted by Companion Plants

Tomato hornworms may also be attracted to companion plants that are grown alongside your tomato plants. Certain plants, like dill, parsley, and fennel, are known to attract hornworms, and planting them close to your tomato plants may increase the likelihood of an infestation. To prevent this, plant companion plants like marigolds, which are known to repel pests, and avoid planting dill, parsley, or fennel near your tomato plants.

Carried by Birds or Other Animals

It is also possible for hornworms to be carried by birds or other animals. When hornworms are in their pupal stage, they can fall to the ground, where they can be easily picked up by curious animals, like birds or rodents. These animals may then carry the hornworms to your tomato plants, where the caterpillars will cause damage. To prevent this, make sure to keep your garden clean and tidy and dispose of any debris immediately.

Conclusion

Tomato hornworms are a significant threat to tomato plants, and knowing how they get onto your plants is essential to preventing an infestation. By inspecting new plants before bringing them into your garden, avoiding the use of outdoor lights, and choosing companion plants carefully, you can decrease the likelihood of an infestation. Additionally, keeping your garden clean and tidy can help prevent hornworms from being carried by birds or other animals to your plants. With these tips in mind, you can protect your tomato plants from tomato hornworms and enjoy a successful harvest.