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The term “cutworm” generally refers to the larvae of different types of moths that damage herbaceous plants.
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Caterpillars gather in groups to chew through delicate plant stems near the ground level, damaging farm fields and home gardens.
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Measures for controlling cutworms encompass preventive activities, regular garden inspection, the use of physical barriers, and handpicking them off plants.
Although moths typically pose little threat in the garden, their larvae, known collectively as cutworms, can create significant issues. These larvae have the ability to decimate garden seedlings virtually overnight.
Given that moths can produce up to three generations annually, it’s crucial to be able to recognize cutworms and understand the harm they inflict. Below are methods to decrease the quantity of eggs hatching as well as strategies for eliminating cutworms.
Ways to Recognize Cutworms and the Destruction They Cause
Although various hues occur, many cutworm species found in American gardens have a comparable appearance. These larvae typically measure around two inches and feature smooth bodies. Their colors range from shades like beige, dark brown, jet-black, rosy-pink, slate-gray, to fresh green; they may also exhibit patterns such as spots or stripes. Some cutworms climb plant stems, whereas others stay close to the ground’s surface.
The worst impact from cutworms occurs in spring when plants are young or possess delicate tissues. These climbing pests ascend tree trunks, shrub branches, vine stalks, and the stems of vegetables to create holes in foliage or consume buds and fruits.
A distinguishing feature of surface cutworms is that they usually form a compact ‘C’ shape when disturbed. Similarly, this is how these pests consume plants; they wrap themselves around the stem and start eating. As a result, the plant looks as though it has been severed near the ground level.
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Ways to Eliminate Cutworms
There are various methods to get rid of cutworms, and each has its own advantages. Depending on what you need, here are six option that might work for your garden.
Manual Removal
Inspect the garden at dusk or very early in the morning daily when the cutworms are most active. When cutworms are discovered on plants or the ground, physically remove them while wearing gloves and crush or drop the insects into a bucket of soapy water.
Aluminum Foil Collars
You can create a physical barrier to prevent surface and climbing cutworms from attacking plants. Cut a strip of aluminum foil about 12 inches wide and fold it in half so it is 6 inches tall. Cut into shorter lengths so that the collar isn’t too large. Push one end of the collar 3 inches into the soil, and the other end extends 3 inches above the ground. Leave it in place for several weeks until the cutworms move into their next stage of life.
Cardboard Collars
Slice heavy-duty cardboard from mailing tubes into rings featuring a side slit for easy placement around your plants. Install them similar to aluminum foil collars, ensuring that at least a few inches of the ring extend both under and over the soil level.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth
It is a coarse, fine powder that injures the cutworms as they move through it, leading them to dry out and perish. Apply it generously in a ring around vulnerable plants.
Detergent and Water Spritz
Anecdotal evidence suggests that filling a spray bottle with water and approximately one teaspoon of dish soap can be effective against cutworms. However, this method will only succeed if the mixture is applied directly onto the cutworms.
Commercial Pesticides
Synthetic pyrethroid insecticides like deltamethrin, cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, permethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin can be highly effective in minimizing harm caused by cutworms. An alternative option is the organic pest control agent Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).
beneficial nematodes
will also work.
Follow label directions carefully to prevent harm to beneficial insects, pets, and humans. Between midnight and dawn is often the most effective time to make an application.
How to Keep Cutworms Away
The best way to prevent cutworm damage is to take early control measures in the garden to reduce the number of moth eggs.
- Remove debris and weeds from your garden to make these spots less inviting for egg-laying pests.
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Till the garden soil
In autumn, eliminate eggs, larvae, or pupae found in the soil. - Maintain a clear strip of uncovered ground about three to four feet wide around important plants to make it harder for cutworms to move across them.
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Keep weeds under control
since they can serve as hosts for young cutworm larvae. - Utilize compost rather than green manure, since manure might promote egg deposition.
- Keep a distance of three to four feet of dry soil at the perimeter of the garden to deter cutworms.
Frequently asked Questions
Can dishwasher detergent eliminate cutworms?
Cutworms can be handpicked and dropped into a container filled with soapy water, or you can eliminate them by directly spraying them with soapy water.
Does baking soda kill cutworms?
No, baking soda isn’t consistently effective at eliminating cutworms.
What draws cutworms to a garden?
Moths are drawn to leaf litter and weeds in gardens for laying their eggs. To stop the start of the moth (and cutworm) lifecycle, maintain weed-free areas in your garden and frequently turn over the soil to eliminate the eggs.
Are cutworms active at night?
Yes, cutworms are most active between dusk and dawn.
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The Spruce
