Introduction

Tomatoes are a favorite of both gardeners and insects. Unfortunately, horn worms are one of the most common pests that can damage your tomato plants. These predatory caterpillars can devour your tomato plants, leaving nothing but stubs behind. However, with the right approach, you can keep horn worms away from your tomato plants.

Identifying Hornworms

Hornworms are green caterpillars with white stripes. They have a long, curved horn on their rear, which gives them their name. You may also notice small, black droppings on lower leaves of your tomato plants. These droppings are a sign that hornworms are present, as they excrete waste as they eat.

Cultural Control

The first step in controlling hornworms is cultural management, which aims to prevent infestations before they occur. There are a few things you can do to achieve this:

Rotate your tomato plants annually to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in the soil.

When planting tomatoes, avoid areas where hornworms have been previously identified. Hornworms lay their eggs on plants and vegetation, so their presence is usually localized.

Keep your garden free of debris and dead plant material, as these can harbor pests.

Use healthy transplants from reliable sources to introduce into your garden.

Natural Predators

If your tomato plants are already infested with hornworms, introducing natural predators is a great solution. Two popular predators are braconid wasps and green lacewings. Braconid wasps lay their eggs inside the caterpillar, where they will mature and kill the hornworm from the inside. Green lacewings will not only feed on hornworms, but they also lay eggs near the infested area to prevent future infestations.

Handpicking

One of the simplest ways to control hornworms is to pick them off your plants by hand. Although this method requires a little more effort, it is highly effective. Look for the caterpillar on the back of the tomato leaves, and wear gloves to avoid being stung by the horn. Place the caterpillars in a container of soapy water, which will kill them.

Organic Pesticides

If you prefer not to use chemical pesticides, there are several organic options that are effective at controlling hornworms. Neem oil is a natural pesticide that is available in many garden centers. It can be sprayed directly onto tomato plants and is safe to use around pets and children. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) is another natural pesticide that targets the digestive system of hornworms, eventually killing them.

Conclusion

Hornworms are a common pest that can damage your tomato plants, but they are not unbeatable. With the right approach and a little effort, it is possible to keep hornworms away from your tomato plants. By following our guidelines, you can maintain a healthy garden and enjoy a bountiful harvest!