How to Get Rid of Cutworms on Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are a popular choice for many gardeners, but unfortunately they are also a favorite food source of cutworms. Cutworms are caterpillars that belong to the family Noctuidae and they can cause significant damage to your tomato plants. However, there are several measures you can take to get rid of cutworms and protect your tomato plants. Here are some effective ways to eliminate cutworms from your tomato plants:

Identify Cutworms

The first step in getting rid of cutworms is to identify them. Cutworms are brownish or grayish in color and they are about an inch long. They have a smooth, hairless body and are usually curled up in a C-shape. Cutworms are nocturnal and feed on the stems of young tomato plants at night. If you notice plants wilting or drooping or find cutworms while digging around plant roots, your plants are likely infested with these pests.

Remove Weeds and Debris

Eliminating any weeds and garden debris around your tomato plants can help prevent cutworm infestations. Cutworms like to hide in weeds and debris during the daytime, so keeping the area clean and tidy will discourage them from settling in your garden.

Cutworm Barriers

Protecting your tomato plants with cutworm barriers is an effective way to prevent cutworms from reaching them. You can create a cutworm barrier by cutting up toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls into sections and placing them around the stems of your tomato plants. This creates a physical barrier that will prevent cutworms from crawling up the stem of the plant and accessing the leaves and fruit.

Beneficial Nematodes

Beneficial nematodes are a natural and effective way to get rid of cutworms in your garden. These microscopic worms live in the soil and feed on cutworm larvae. They are a safe and non-toxic way to control cutworm populations and prevent damage to your tomato plants. You can purchase beneficial nematodes at a garden center or online and apply them to the soil around your tomato plants according to the instructions on the package.

Natural Pesticides

There are several natural pesticides you can use to get rid of cutworms on your tomato plants. These include neem oil, pyrethrin, and spinosad. These pesticides work by disrupting the cutworm's nervous system, causing paralysis and death. They are safer for the environment and beneficial insects than synthetic pest control methods, although they may require repeated applications to be effective.

Conclusion

Cutworms can cause significant damage to your tomato plants if left unchecked, but with the right prevention methods and treatments, you can eliminate these pests and protect your garden. Identifying cutworms, removing debris, creating barriers, using beneficial nematodes, and natural pesticides are all effective ways to eradicate cutworms from your tomato plants. By taking these measures, you can keep your tomato plants healthy and ensure a bountiful harvest.