How to Get Rid of Armyworms on Tomato Plants

Armyworms are a common pest that can cause a lot of damage to tomato plants. These caterpillars feed on the foliage, flowers, and fruit of the plant, leading to stunted growth, reduced yield, and even death of the plant. Fortunately, there are several ways to control and prevent armyworm infestations on tomato plants.

1. Handpicking

One of the simplest and most effective ways to get rid of armyworms is to handpick them off the plant. Check your tomato plants regularly, especially in the early morning or late evening when the armyworms are most active. Carefully inspect each leaf and stem for any sign of infestation. If you spot an armyworm, simply pick it off the plant and drop it into a bucket of soapy water to kill it.

2. Biological Controls

Another way to control armyworms on tomato plants is to introduce natural predators or parasites. Parasitic wasps, for example, can lay their eggs inside the armyworm, killing it from the inside out. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacteria that can be sprayed on the leaves of the plant to poison and kill armyworms. Ladybugs, lacewings, and spiders are also natural predators that can help control armyworm populations on tomatoes.

3. Chemical Controls

If the infestation is severe or handpicking and biological controls are not working, you may need to use chemical controls. Several insecticides are effective against armyworms, such as pyrethroids and carbamates. However, it's important to read and follow the label instructions carefully and use these chemicals sparingly and only as a last resort.

4. Cultural Controls

One of the most effective ways to prevent armyworm infestations is to practice good cultural controls. This can include crop rotation, removing any plant debris or weeds around the tomato plants, and keeping the area clean and free of debris. You can also cover your tomato plants with row covers or insect mesh to prevent the moths from laying their eggs on the plant.

5. Early Detection and Prevention

Finally, early detection and prevention are key to controlling armyworms on tomato plants. Regularly monitoring your plants and taking quick actions to control any infestations can prevent the pest from spreading and causing severe damage. You can also plant varieties of tomatoes that are less susceptible to armyworms, such as the San Marzano or the Roma.

In conclusion, armyworms can cause a lot of damage to tomato plants, but there are several ways to control and prevent infestations. By handpicking the caterpillars, introducing natural predators, using chemical controls sparingly, practicing good cultural controls, and detecting and preventing infestations early, you can protect your tomato plants from armyworms and ensure a healthy, abundant harvest.