Cutworms: How To Control and Prevent Your Plants

Greetings to all plant lovers! Are you fed up with your plants looking like they have experienced a battleground with warped and mottled leaves? Have no fear, for the responsible party, is small, brown, or black cutworms. These minor nuisances can be very damaging, yet they exist, and they are predators.

Cutworms are small, brown or black caterpillars found in gardens, lawns, and fields. They are known for their habit of cutting off the stems of young plants, which can cause serious damage to your garden. 

But don’t worry; with some knowledge and simple steps, you can prevent and handle plant cutworm damage. Keep your plants safe from cutworm damage with our helpful guide! Learn the best methods to prevent and control these pesky pests quickly and efficiently.

What are Cutworms?

Cutworms are small larvae of moths in the family Noctuidae. They vary in size and color but are typically around 2 inches long, with a black or brown stripe running down their backs. The larvae feed on plants and vegetables such as corn, soybeans, and beans by cutting off ground-level seedlings. This can cause extensive damage to gardeners’ crops and be a real nuisance. 

How To Identify Cutworms?

Cutworms can be identified by their greyish-brown color and the pattern of stripes on their body. They are usually about 1-2 inches long, have a light-colored underside, and their larva form is fat and bumpy. 

To identify cutworms from other larvae, look for the presence of legs. Cutworms will appear legless, while other caterpillars have multiple pairs of legs along their body length. Additionally, cutworm damage can be recognized by plant leaves curling inwards due to the caterpillars eating them from the inside out.

Signs of Cutworms on Houseplants

Here are some common signs of cutworm damage on plants:

1. Discolored or distorted leaves: Cutworms feed on the leaves of plants, which can cause them to become discolored or deformed. This is usually one of the first signs of cutworm damage.
2. Cut or broken stems: As the name suggests, cutworms are known for cutting off the stems of young plants. This can cause the plant to wilt or die.
3. Presence of cutworm caterpillars: The most obvious sign of cutworm infestation is the presence of the caterpillars themselves. They are typically brown or black and can be found near the base of the plant.
4. Damage to the root system: In some cases, cutworms may also feed on the roots of plants, which can cause damage to the root system. 

To differentiate cutworms from other pests, it is helpful to look at the type of damage they cause. Cutworms typically cause damage to the base of the plant and the stem, while other pests, such as aphids or spider mites, may cause damage to the leaves or flowers. Additionally, the caterpillars’ presence is a sure sign of cutworm infestation.

It’s important to note that if you suspect cutworm infestation, it’s best to check at night, as they tend to be active during that time.

Treatment Of Cutworms

Chemical Methods:

Several chemical insecticides can be used to control cutworm populations in your garden. Here are a few common options:

1. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis): This is a naturally-occurring bacteria toxic to caterpillars. It can be applied as a spray or a cloud of dust and is considered safe for use on food crops.
2. Carbaryl: This broad-spectrum insecticide controls various pests, including cutworms. It is available in a spray or dust form.
3. Cyfluthrin: It is a broad-spectrum insecticide that is used to control cutworms and other pests. It is available in a liquid or granular form.
4. Malathion: A broad-spectrum insecticide that can be used to control a variety of pests, including cutworms. It is available in a liquid or dust form.

When using chemical insecticides, it is important to follow the instructions on the label carefully. This includes information on the application rate, the timing of the application, and any safety precautions to be taken. In addition, always wear protective gear when handling and applying chemical insecticides.

Chemical insecticides can have potential downsides and risks. They can be harmful to beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies. They can also be harmful to pets and humans if not used properly. Additionally, overuse of chemical insecticides can lead to developing resistant pests, making control more difficult in the long run.

Natural Methods:

There are several natural remedies that can be used to control cutworm populations in your garden. Here are a few common options:

1. Neem oil: This oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree and is toxic to a wide range of insects, including cutworms. It can be mixed with water and sprayed on the plants.
2. Horticultural oil: This highly refined mineral oil is used to smother cutworms and other pests. It can be mixed with water and applied as a spray.
3. Insecticidal soap: This specially formulated soap is toxic to many insects, including cutworms. It can be mixed with water and applied as a spray.

When using natural remedies, it’s important to follow the instructions on the label carefully. This includes information on the application rate, the timing of the application, and any safety precautions to be taken.

One of the benefits of using natural remedies is that they are generally considered safer for the environment, humans, and pets. They are also less likely to harm beneficial insects like bees and butterflies than chemical insecticides.

Additionally, natural remedies are often less expensive than chemical insecticides and can be easily made at home. When making your natural remedies, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients and follow the instructions carefully.

Natural remedies have a lower risk of developing resistance to pests, which can make control more difficult in the long run.

The use of natural remedies such as neem oil, horticultural oil, and insecticidal soap can effectively control cutworm populations in your garden. They are safer for the environment and humans and pets. They are less likely to harm beneficial insects than chemical insecticides. They can be easily made at home and have a lower risk of developing resistance to pests.

How to prevent Cutworms?

Prevention is key when it comes to controlling cutworm infestations in your garden. Here are a few ways to prevent cutworms from infesting your plants in the first place:

1. Proper sanitation: Keep your garden clean and free of debris. This includes removing dead leaves and plant debris and keeping the area around your plants free of tall grass and weeds. Cutworms thrive in areas with tall grass and weeds, so keeping your garden well-maintained is a key step in preventing infestations.
2. Monitoring: Regularly check your plants for signs of cutworm damage, such as discolored or distorted leaves, cut or broken stems, and the presence of cutworm caterpillars. Keep an eye out for these signs and take action as soon as you notice them.
3. Cutworm collars: These are simple, physical barriers that can be placed around the base of your plants to prevent cutworms from reaching the stem. Cutworm collars can be made from materials such as cardboard or aluminum foil and are placed around the stem of the plant, creating a barrier that the cutworms can’t pass through.
4. Use beneficial insects: Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or parasitic wasps, which can help to control the cutworm population.

When purchasing new plants, it’s a good idea to inspect them carefully for signs of infestation. Look for discolored or distorted leaves, cut or broken stems, and the presence of cutworm caterpillars. If you notice these signs, it’s best to avoid purchasing the plant, as it may already be infested. In addition, it is a good idea to quarantine any new plants for a few weeks before introducing them to your garden. It will ensure they are not carrying any pests or diseases.

Preventing cutworm infestations in your garden begins with proper sanitation and monitoring. Keep your garden clean and free of debris. Regularly check your plants for signs of damage. Use cutworm collars and beneficial insects, and be careful when purchasing new plants to ensure they are not already infested. With these steps, you can prevent cutworm infestations and keep your garden healthy and beautiful.

Summary

• Cutworms are small larvae of moths in the family Noctuidae. They vary in size and color but are typically around 2 inches long.

• Cutworms can be identified by their greyish-brown color and the pattern of stripes on their body.

•  Cutworms can cause extensive damage like discolored or distorted leaves, cut or broken stems, the presence of cutworm caterpillars, and damage to the root system. 

• Several chemical insecticides can be used to control cutworm populations, such as Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), Carbaryl, Cyfluthrin, and Malathion.
• Many native remedies, like Neem oil, Horticultural oil, and Insecticidal soap, can regulate the number of cutworms in your backyard.
• Prevention is the key when it comes to controlling cutworms. Prevention methods such as proper monitoring, proper sanitation, use of beneficial insects, keeping the garden clean and free of debris, and using cutworm collars can be very effective.

In conclusion, dealing with cutworms can be challenging. Still, with the right knowledge and tools, it’s possible to keep your garden healthy and beautiful. Try different methods and find the one that works best for you and your garden. Remember that prevention is key, and regular monitoring and maintenance can help to keep cutworms at bay. Happy gardening!