Introduction

Tomato hornworms are one of the most destructive pests that can affect your tomato plants. These large, green caterpillars can quickly strip your plants of their leaves and fruit, ultimately killing the plant. In this article, we’ll discuss how to identify and get rid of hornworms on tomato plants.

Identifying Hornworms

The first step in getting rid of hornworms is to identify them on your tomato plants. These caterpillars can grow up to four inches long and are typically green in color. They have a distinctive curved horn at the end of their body, which is where their name comes from.

You may also notice the presence of droppings, or frass, on your tomato plant leaves. This can be a sign that hornworms are feeding on your plants. Additionally, you may see small white eggs on the caterpillars, which are parasites that can help control their population.

Manual Control

If you have a small infestation of hornworms on your tomato plants, you can manually control them by picking them off and disposing of them. Wear gloves to protect your hands from their spines, and drop the caterpillars into a bucket of soapy water to kill them.

You can also attract natural predators, such as birds or parasitic wasps, to your garden. These insects can help control the hornworm population by feeding on the caterpillars or laying their eggs on them.

Chemical Control

If you have a large infestation of hornworms on your tomato plants, you may need to use chemical control. However, it’s important to use pesticides responsibly and only as a last resort.

A common pesticide used to control hornworms is Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacteria that only affects caterpillars. Spray the Bt directly onto the hornworms, and they will stop feeding and die within a few days.

Another option is to use neem oil, a plant-based pesticide that also disrupts the hornworms’ feeding habits. Mix the neem oil according to the package directions and spray it onto your tomato plants.

Prevention

Preventing hornworms from infesting your tomato plants is the best way to avoid having to deal with them in the first place. Here are some tips:

Rotate your crops each year to prevent a buildup of hornworm populations in the soil.

Remove any fallen tomato fruits or leaves to eliminate potential hiding spots for hornworms.

Cover your tomato plants with row covers or netting to prevent hornworms from laying their eggs directly on the plant leaves.

Conclusion

Tomato hornworms can be a frustrating pest to deal with, but with a little effort, you can keep them under control. By identifying the caterpillars, manually removing them, attracting natural predators, and responsibly using pesticides, you can keep your tomato plants healthy and productive. And by taking steps to prevent infestations, you can enjoy a bountiful tomato harvest year after year.