What Bug Chews Off Tomato Plant Leaves?

Tomatoes are a popular and easy-to-grow crop in gardens across the world, but their leaves can become damaged by pests. One common issue gardeners face is chewed-off leaves. This can be frustrating, especially when the plant is already struggling to produce a good yield.

Identifying the Culprit

The first step in addressing the problem of chewed-off tomato plant leaves is to identify the culprit. The most common bugs that are known to chew off tomato plant leaves include:

Hornworms

Cutworms

Aphids

Leafhoppers

Flea beetles

Grasshoppers

It's important to identify the specific pest that is causing damage to your tomato plant leaves in order to properly treat it. You can do this by examining the damaged leaves, as well as any other signs of infestation on the plant.

Hornworms

Hornworms are large, green caterpillars that can grow up to 4 inches long. They are easily visible on the plant and can devour entire leaves, along with the fruit itself. Handpicking them off the plant and placing them in a bucket of soapy water is an effective method of removing them. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray to kill them.

Cutworms

Cutworms are the larvae of certain species of moths. They can chew the stem of the plant at or near the soil line, causing the plant to wilt and die. You can protect your tomato plants from cutworms by placing collars around the stems. You can also use insecticides, such as spinosad, to eliminate them.

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can be found on the undersides of leaves. They suck the sap from the plant and can cause significant damage. You can control aphid populations by washing them off the plant with a strong jet of water or by using insecticidal soap.

Leafhoppers

Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects that can cause stippling on tomato plant leaves. They can also transmit diseases. Insecticidal soaps and oils can be effective in controlling leafhoppers.

Flea Beetles

Flea beetles are tiny, jumping insects that can create small holes in tomato plant leaves. They can also transmit diseases. You can get rid of flea beetles by using floating row covers or an insecticide such as pyrethrin.

Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers are large insects that can cause significant damage to tomato plants by chewing on leaves and stems. They can be controlled with insecticides or by using row covers to protect the plants.

Preventing Future Damage

Once you have identified and controlled the pests that are causing damage to your tomato plant leaves, it's important to take measures to prevent future infestations. Here are some tips:

Clean up any fallen debris around the plants, such as fallen leaves and fruit.

Rotate crops to prevent pests from building up in the soil.

Cover plants with floating row covers to prevent pests from accessing them.

Introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, that will prey on harmful insects.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your tomato plants stay healthy and produce a bountiful harvest.