How to Kill Cutworms on Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are not just a tasty addition to your veggie garden. They provide nutrition and flavor to your meals and can be a fun hobby to grow. However, cutworms can quickly destroy your tomato plants if not dealt with efficiently. These pesky caterpillars often cut the stem of the tomato plant, leading to a weakened and possibly dead plant. In this article, we will go over some ways to kill cutworms on tomato plants and keep your garden healthy.

Identifying Cutworms

Cutworms are caterpillars that are around 1 inch in length and have a grey-brown color. They are typically found in the soil around young plants or around the stems of established plants. They feed at night and are not easy to spot during the day. One of the most obvious signs of a cutworm infestation is finding small stems cut down or chewed at the base.

Preventative Measures

One of the best ways to prevent cutworms from damaging your tomato plants is by using preventative measures. Cutworms can be deterred by placing a collar around each plant stem. This collar can be made from cardboard or cut from a plastic cup. The collar should be around 3 inches in height and 2 inches in diameter. Insert the collar around the base of the plant before planting. This will prevent the cutworm from cutting the stem and will keep your plants healthy.

Organic Solutions

If you prefer organic methods for treating your tomato plants, there are a few options. One of the most effective ways to kill cutworms is to use Bacillus thuringiensis or BT. BT is a bacteria that kills cutworms but does not harm other insects, animals or humans. It can be sprayed onto the tomato plant every few days to prevent cutworms from doing any damage.

Another organic solution is to use diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from fossilized diatoms and is safe to use around people and pets. Sprinkle a fine layer of diatomaceous earth around the base of your tomato plants to prevent cutworms from accessing the stem.

Inorganic Solutions

If organic solutions are not cutting it, there are some inorganic methods to deal with cutworms on tomato plants. Chemical insecticides can be used to kill cutworms, but be sure to read the label and follow all directions carefully. These insecticides can be harmful to other insects, animals and plants if used improperly.

A non-toxic, non-chemical option is to hand pick the cutworms. This option can be time-consuming, but it is effective. Simply go out at night with a flashlight and pluck the cutworms off your plants. Once you have them, dispose of them away from your garden. Repeat this process every few nights to keep them from doing any damage.

Conclusion

Cutworms can be a major problem in tomato plants, but they can be dealt with effectively. Using preventative measures, organic and inorganic solutions, and handpicking the cutworms are all options for controlling and killing cutworms. Take care of your tomato plants, and they will provide you with delicious produce all season long.