One of the most annoying garden pests are cutworms. These are the caterpillar-like larvae of night-flying moths. Although the moths do not directly injure crops, their larvae, sometimes known as cutworms, devour stems that are at or near ground level, destroying young plants.
If your seedlings are being attacked by cutworms, you’ll want to learn how to get rid of cutworms.
Like with the damage of caterpillars eating seedlings, cutworms can be managed with a little knowledge.
Garden Damage from Cutworms
Since different species of cutworms have varying colors, it is not as simple to identify them as you might expect. While some can be pink or green, others can be black, brown, grey, or tan. others are speckled, others striped, some the color of dirt.
When picked up, the cutworms curl into a C shape and typically don’t grow longer than 2 inches (5 cm). Since cutworms hide in the soil during the day, they are difficult to identify in the first place. Cutworms emerge at night and feed on the undersides of plants.
Certain kinds of cutworms will cause more damage since they will climb higher on plant stems to feed. The biggest larvae always do the most cutworm damage.
Cutworm Management
Prevention is the first step in cutworm control. Untilted areas typically have more severe cutworm problems. Since it destroys the larvae that overwinter in the soil, plowing or well-tilling the soil is very beneficial.
Early planting and weed removal are two more ways to avoid cutworm infections. Gathering plant debris is an additional beneficial choice, as the cutworm eggs are laid on decomposing plant matter.
You can minimize cutworm damage if you combine preventive measures with close observation. Cutworms are easier to control the sooner you find the pests since they are easiest to eliminate when they are less than ½ inch (1.25 cm) long.
Methods for get rid of Cutworms
To eradicate cutworms, begin with non-toxic techniques such as removing and crushing the larvae or submerging them in soapy water. Additionally, any cutworm eggs that have been placed there will be removed and destroyed along with the plant debris.
Making a barrier to keep cutworms out is one way to prevent them from harming your seedlings. Wrap transplants in cardboard slug collars or aluminum foil (imagine toilet paper rolls).
You can also use garden cloches to cover your seedlings and protect them from all types of garden insects and weather damage all year long.
To keep burrowing worms out, make sure the barrier reaches the earth. Chemical insecticides are another option for eliminating cutworm infestations; however, this ought to be used as a last resort. Cutworms emerge for feeding in the evening, so if you must use pesticides, do so.
Also, think about killing cutworms using organic pesticides. Cutworm attacks can also be prevented by giving your plants a wash with water and dish soap that doesn’t include chlorine.
Using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a naturally occurring bacteria that targets a variety of pests similar to caterpillars, is an additional strategy. It can be a useful and eco-friendly method of controlling cutworms in gardens.
