All You Need To Know About Treating Cutworms In The Vegetable Garden

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What are Cutworms?

Cutworms are the larvae of moths, and they are one of the most common pests found in vegetable gardens. As their name suggests, they are known for cutting off young, tender seedlings at the soil line. Cutworms can be found in the soil and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. Common types of cutworms are the black cutworm, spotted cutworm, dingy cutworm, and army cutworm. Cutworms feed on a variety of plants, but they are especially fond of young seedlings.

Identifying Cutworms

Cutworms can be difficult to identify due to their camouflage. They are usually found in the soil around the base of plants, or in the soil beneath mulch. Cutworms are usually gray, brown, or black in color, and they can range in size from 1/4 inch to 1 1/2 inches. They can curl up into a protective “C” shape when disturbed. Cutworms can also be identified by their voracious appetite for young seedlings, and by their distinctive “cutting” behavior.

Preventing Cutworm Damage

The best way to prevent cutworm damage is to create barriers that keep them away from your plants. One way to do this is to use collars made of newspaper, cardboard, or plastic around the base of your plants. These collars should be at least 3 inches in height and should be placed around the plant stems to prevent cutworms from accessing the tender foliage. You can also use mulch around the base of your plants to make it harder for cutworms to reach the soil surface.

Trapping Cutworms

Trapping cutworms is another way to reduce their population in your garden. To do this, use a shallow bowl filled with beer and place it near the affected plants. Cutworms are attracted to the smell of the beer and will crawl in and drown. Be sure to check the trap regularly and dispose of the cutworms in an area away from your garden.

Using Biological Controls

Using biological controls is another way to reduce cutworm populations in your garden. Beneficial nematodes are microscopic roundworms that are specifically designed to attack and kill cutworms. They are available from garden centers and can be applied directly to the soil where the cutworms are active. Beneficial nematodes will seek out and attack cutworms, reducing their population and protecting your plants.

Using Insecticides

Insecticides can also be used to control cutworms in the vegetable garden. Certain insecticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are designed to target cutworms specifically. Bt is a natural, organic insecticide that is safe for use around vegetables and other plants. It is available in powder, wettable powder, or liquid form and should be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Hand Picking Cutworms

Hand picking cutworms is another way to reduce their population in the vegetable garden. Cutworms are most active at night, so this is the best time to search for them. Use a flashlight to search the soil around the base of the plants and hand pick any cutworms that you find. Be sure to dispose of the cutworms in an area away from the garden.

Organic Pesticides

Organic pesticides are another option for controlling cutworms in the vegetable garden. Neem oil and insecticidal soaps are two organic pesticides that can be used to control cutworms. Neem oil is a natural insecticide that works by disrupting the cutworm’s reproductive cycle, while insecticidal soaps work by smothering the cutworms. Both of these organic pesticides are available from garden centers and should be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Conclusion

Cutworms can be a frustrating pest in the vegetable garden, but there are several methods that can be used to control them. Preventative measures, such as using collars or mulch around the base of plants, can help keep cutworms away. Trapping, biological controls, and organic pesticides can also be used to control cutworm populations. With a little patience and the right approach, you can successfully keep cutworms away from your vegetable garden.