How to Get Rid of Horn Worms on Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are a staple crop in many gardens, but they can be plagued by horn worms, which are destructive pests that can destroy entire plants. These caterpillars can quickly eat through all of the leaves and fruit of your tomato plants, leaving you with a dry and unproductive garden. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of these pests and keep your tomato plants healthy and vibrant all season long.

Identifying Horn Worms

The first step in getting rid of horn worms is to identify them. These caterpillars are large and green, with a distinct horn protruding from their rear end. They can be difficult to spot at first, as they typically blend in well with the leaves of the tomato plant. However, if you notice that you have a lot of holes or damage on your tomato leaves, it's likely that horn worms are the culprit.

Remove Them by Hand

If you only have a few horn worms on your tomato plants, the easiest way to get rid of them is to remove them by hand. Simply look for the caterpillars on the leaves and branches of the tomato plant and pick them off one by one. You can then either squish them or drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them.

Use Natural Predators

If you have a large infestation of horn worms on your tomato plants, you may need to enlist the help of natural predators. One of the best predators for horn worms is the braconid wasp, which lays its eggs on the caterpillar. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will feed on the horn worm until it dies. You can also attract birds, such as blue jays, to your garden, as they love to feed on horn worms.

Apply Pesticides

If all else fails, you can use pesticides to get rid of horn worms on your tomato plants. However, be careful when using these chemicals, as they can be harmful to both humans and beneficial insects. Look for a pesticide that is specifically designed to target horn worms and follow the instructions carefully. Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing when applying pesticides and keep children and pets away from the area until the chemicals have dried.

Preventing Horn Worms

The best way to get rid of horn worms on your tomato plants is to prevent them from infesting your garden in the first place. You can do this by covering your tomato plants with row covers or netting, which will prevent the adult moths from laying their eggs on the plants. You can also use companion planting to repel horn worms, such as planting marigolds or basil near your tomato plants.

By following these tips, you can get rid of horn worms on your tomato plants and keep your garden healthy and thriving. Remember to regularly inspect your tomato plants for signs of damage or infestation, and act quickly to address any issues you find.