What Bugs Are Attracted to Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are a favorite amongst many gardeners due to their versatility and delicious fruit. Unfortunately, tomato plants are also attractive to a range of bugs that can cause significant damage to the plant if not properly managed. In this article, we will explore the most common bugs that are attracted to tomato plants and how to prevent them from devastating your plants.

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that come in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, and black. They feed on the sap of tomato plants, which can cause the leaves to curl, turn yellow, and distort. Aphids are attracted to young, tender growth and reproduce rapidly, making them a significant threat to tomato plants.

To prevent an aphid infestation, keep your plants watered and healthy. Remove any yellowing leaves or dying plant material, as these are attractive to aphids. You can also encourage the presence of natural predators, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, which feed on aphids.

Tobacco Hornworms

Tobacco hornworms are large, green caterpillars that can grow up to four inches long. They are attracted to tomato plants and can rapidly strip them of their leaves, causing significant damage. Tobacco hornworms are relatively easy to spot, as they are large and can be seen with the naked eye.

To prevent tobacco hornworms from damaging your plants, inspect your plants regularly and remove any hornworms you find. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural bacteria that kills caterpillars, to control the population. In addition, you can encourage the presence of natural predators, such as parasitic wasps and birds, which feed on tobacco hornworms.

Cutworms

Cutworms are caterpillars that live in the soil and feed on the stems of young tomato plants, causing them to wilt and die. Cutworms are most active at night and can be challenging to spot until they have caused significant damage to your plants.

To prevent cutworms from damaging your plants, use collars made of cardboard or plastic around the base of your plants. The collar should be 2-3 inches tall and 2-3 inches wide, creating a barrier that cutworms cannot easily crawl over. You can also use natural repellents, such as diatomaceous earth or neem oil, to deter cutworms from your plants.

Fruit Flies

Fruit flies are small, brownish flies that are attracted to ripe or overripe tomatoes. They lay their eggs on the fruit, and the resulting maggots feed on the tomato, causing it to rot from the inside out. Fruit flies are most active during warm weather and can quickly become a significant problem in your garden.

To prevent fruit flies from ruining your crop, harvest your tomatoes when they are ripe and avoid leaving any overripe fruit on the plant. You can also use yellow sticky traps to trap and kill adult fruit flies or apply spinosad, a natural pesticide that specifically targets fruit flies.

Conclusion

Tomato plants are a popular choice for many gardeners, but they are also attractive to a range of bugs that can cause significant damage if not properly managed. By understanding the most common bugs that are attracted to tomato plants and taking preventative measures, you can protect your plants and ensure a bountiful crop of delicious tomatoes.