What Are the Bugs on My Tomato Plants?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular garden crops, but unfortunately, they're also highly susceptible to a variety of pests. As a tomato grower, it's essential to be able to identify the bugs that can infest your plants and learn how to manage or eliminate them to keep your tomatoes healthy and thriving.

Aphids

Aphids are a common pest that attacks many types of plants, including tomatoes. These tiny, pear-shaped insects suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, which can cause the leaves to curl and stunt the plant's growth. Aphids are usually green, but they can also be black, brown, yellow, or pink. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water, using insecticidal soap, or releasing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings.

Tobacco Hornworms

Tobacco hornworms are the larvae of the sphinx moth and can grow up to four inches long. They have green bodies with white stripes and a distinctive red horn on their tail end. These pests can strip a tomato plant of its leaves in just a few days, which can significantly weaken the plant. You can handpick tobacco hornworms off the plant or spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a bacteria that specifically targets larvae of moths and butterflies.

Flea Beetles

Flea beetles are tiny, black or dark brown beetles that jump like fleas when disturbed. They feed on the leaves of tomato plants, creating tiny holes that can eventually cause the leaves to wither and drop off. Flea beetles can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by covering the plants with row covers.

Cutworms

Cutworms are the larvae of several species of moths and can appear in the garden during spring and fall. They are nocturnal and feed at night, cutting off the stem of young tomato plants at the base. Cutworms can be controlled by placing a protective collar around the base of the plant, made from cardboard or aluminum foil, or by applying a natural insecticide, such as neem oil.

Whiteflies

Whiteflies are tiny, white, moth-like insects that are sometimes found on tomato plants. They cause damage by sucking plant sap and can weaken the plant, cause leaves to yellow and drop, and reduce yields. Whiteflies can be controlled by spraying with insecticidal soap or by introducing natural predators like parasitic wasps or ladybugs.

Conclusion

Dealing with pests is an unavoidable part of tomato growing, but being able to identify and manage them is crucial to success. Some general tips to keep pests at bay include growing tomato varieties that are resistant to certain pests, rotating crops, practicing good sanitation, and monitoring the plants regularly for signs of infestation. With a little bit of effort and knowledge, you can keep your tomato plants healthy and thriving all season long.