How Do Tomato Worms Get on Your Plants

Tomatoes are one of the most popular garden vegetables, which is why they are often targeted by a variety of pests. One such pest is the tomato worm, also known as the hornworm. These large, green caterpillars can quickly decimate your tomato plants if left unchecked. But how do they get on your plants in the first place? Here is what you need to know.

Identifying Tomato Worms

Before we can discuss how tomato worms get on your plants, it's important to first be able to identify these pests. Tomato worms are the larvae of the sphinx moth, which is a large, tan-colored moth with a wingspan of up to 5 inches. The caterpillars are green with white stripes on their sides and a horn-like protrusion on their rear end. They can grow up to 4 inches long and are usually found munching on the leaves and fruit of tomato plants.

The Life Cycle of Tomato Worms

In order to understand how tomato worms get on your plants, it's important to know a bit about their life cycle. The sphinx moth lays its eggs on the undersides of tomato plant leaves. When the eggs hatch, the newly hatched caterpillars start feeding on the plant, gradually growing larger over the course of several weeks. Once they reach maturity, they crawl down to the soil and pupate, eventually emerging as adult moths to start the next generation.

How Tomato Worms Spread

Tomato worms are not particularly mobile creatures, and they rely on other methods of spreading from one plant to another. One common way they spread is through human activity. When you handle an infested plant, you may inadvertently transfer eggs or caterpillars to other plants in your garden. Additionally, adult sphinx moths are strong fliers and can travel long distances in search of new plants to lay their eggs on.

Preventing Tomato Worms

The best way to avoid a tomato worm infestation is to take preventive measures. One effective method is to use row covers to protect plants before they become infested. These covers are made of lightweight fabric and can be draped over plants, keeping the moths from laying their eggs. Another option is to use beneficial insects like green lacewings and ladybugs to control the caterpillars naturally. Finally, regular inspection of your plants and prompt removal of any worms you spot can help prevent a full-blown infestation from taking hold.

The Bottom Line

Tomato worms are a particularly frustrating pest for gardeners, but they can be managed with the right approach. By understanding how these caterpillars spread and taking preventive measures, you can keep your tomato plants healthy and free from these hungry pests.