Cutworms are a common but frustrating pest for gardeners. Known for their destructive ability to sever young plants at the soil line, they can quickly devastate your garden. These pests, which are the larvae of various moth species, typically emerge in the spring and cause damage by chewing through plant stems. Left unchecked, they can result in stunted growth or even the complete loss of young plants. Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can easily control cutworm infestations and safeguard your garden.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore effective ways to get rid of cutworms and prevent future damage. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, these techniques will help you protect your plants and keep your garden thriving.
What Are Cutworms and How Do They Affect Your Garden?
Cutworms are the larvae of nocturnal moths, such as the black cutworm and the variegated cutworm. These worms tend to hide during the day, burrowing into the soil or resting under debris, making them difficult to spot. At night, they emerge to feed on tender plant stems. Young plants, especially seedlings, are particularly vulnerable to cutworm damage, as these pests can sever the stems at or near the soil surface, causing the plants to wilt and die.
The damage caused by cutworms can be devastating, particularly in the early stages of a garden’s growth. While mature plants are typically unaffected, seedlings and transplants are at a high risk. If you’ve noticed signs of chewed or broken stems in your garden, it’s likely you’re dealing with cutworms.
Signs of Cutworm Damage
To effectively combat cutworms, it’s important to recognize the signs of an infestation. The most common symptoms include:
- Severed Plant Stems: Cutworms typically attack plants at the base, severing the stem just above the soil line.
- Wilting or Falling Over Plants: When the stem is cut, the plant may wilt and collapse, often appearing as if it has been “chopped off.”
- Visible Worms: If you carefully inspect your plants in the evening or early morning, you may find cutworms hiding in the soil near affected plants.
- Plant Stubs: In some cases, the cutworm may leave only a small portion of the stem, making it easier to identify.
How to Get Rid of Cutworms
Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive into practical, effective strategies for managing cutworms in your garden. With a combination of prevention and treatment methods, you can keep your plants safe from these destructive pests.
1. Inspect Your Garden Regularly
The first step in managing cutworms is to monitor your garden regularly. Early detection is key to preventing widespread damage. Look for signs of cutworm activity, such as chewed plant stems or wilted plants. Inspect your plants carefully in the evening or early morning, as cutworms are nocturnal and tend to be more active during these times.
If you find a plant with its stem severed, gently dig around the base of the plant to locate the cutworm. By checking your garden often, you can catch the problem early and take action before the damage becomes extensive.
2. Handpick Cutworms
One of the simplest and most effective methods for eliminating cutworms is to manually remove them. During the evening or early morning, when cutworms are most active, gently dig around the base of affected plants. If you spot any cutworms, remove them by hand and dispose of them away from your garden.
While this method can be time-consuming, it’s particularly effective for small infestations. If you only have a few cutworms to deal with, handpicking may be all you need to solve the problem.
3. Use Plant Collars
Plant collars are a tried-and-true method for protecting young plants from cutworms. These collars act as barriers, preventing the worms from reaching the base of the plant where they cause damage. To make a simple plant collar, you can use materials like:
- Cardboard: Cut a strip of cardboard and wrap it around the base of the plant. Secure it in place with a staple or tape, ensuring that the collar extends a few inches above and below the soil line.
- Plastic Cups or Bottles: A plastic cup or bottle can also work as a collar. Simply cut the bottom off and place the remaining portion around the plant stem. This creates a physical barrier that prevents cutworms from accessing the stem.
- Toilet Paper Rolls: An eco-friendly option, toilet paper rolls can be placed around plant stems to protect them from cutworms. Just make sure the roll is sturdy enough to withstand the soil and pests.
Plant collars are especially effective when used in combination with other pest control methods, such as handpicking or natural repellents.
4. Apply Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural, non-toxic substance that can be very effective at controlling cutworms. DE is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are microscopic organisms. The fine powder has sharp edges that cut into the exoskeleton of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die.
To use diatomaceous earth for cutworm control, sprinkle a thin layer around the base of your plants, focusing on the soil where cutworms are likely to be. DE is most effective when it’s dry, so reapply it after watering or rainfall. Be sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, which is safe for plants and pets.
5. Encourage Natural Predators
One of the best ways to control cutworm populations is to encourage natural predators in your garden. Birds, frogs, toads, and beneficial insects such as ladybugs and ground beetles all help to reduce the number of cutworms in the soil.
To attract birds, place birdhouses or birdbaths in your garden. Similarly, planting flowers like sunflowers, lavender, and yarrow can attract beneficial insects that will help keep cutworm numbers in check.
6. Mulch Your Garden
Mulching is another great way to discourage cutworms from attacking your plants. Mulch acts as a physical barrier, making it harder for cutworms to reach the base of your plants. It also helps to retain moisture in the soil, which can promote healthy plant growth.
Use organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or leaves, around your plants. Just be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the plant stems, as too much mulch can create a damp environment that may attract other pests.
7. Rotate Your Crops
Crop rotation is an excellent way to prevent cutworm infestations in your garden. Cutworms tend to target the same types of plants year after year. By rotating your crops, you can disrupt the cutworms’ life cycle and reduce their chances of finding their preferred food source.
For example, if you planted tomatoes in one spot last year, try planting them in a different location the following season. This technique not only helps with cutworm control but also promotes healthier soil by preventing nutrient depletion.
8. Use Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that can be effective against a variety of garden pests, including cutworms. It works by disrupting the insects’ hormonal system, preventing them from feeding and reproducing. To use neem oil, dilute it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and spray it directly onto the plants and soil where cutworms are present.
Neem oil is safe for beneficial insects, pets, and the environment, making it a popular choice for organic gardeners.
9. Improve Soil Drainage
Cutworms thrive in moist, poorly-drained soil. By improving your soil’s drainage, you can reduce the chances of a cutworm infestation. If your garden soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve the soil structure, promote healthy root growth, and discourage pests like cutworms from settling in.
10. Maintain a Clean Garden
Finally, keeping your garden clean and free of debris is an important step in preventing cutworm infestations. Cutworms love to hide under leaves, grass clippings, and other garden refuse, so regularly clear your garden of excess plant matter. This will not only reduce the habitat available for cutworms but will also improve the overall health of your garden.
Conclusion
Cutworms can be a serious pest problem, but with the right techniques, you can protect your garden and enjoy healthy, thriving plants. By inspecting your garden regularly, using preventive measures like plant collars and diatomaceous earth, and encouraging natural predators, you can successfully manage and eliminate cutworm infestations.
Whether you prefer organic solutions or more hands-on approaches like handpicking and crop rotation, there are numerous ways to safeguard your plants from these destructive pests. With a little effort and vigilance, your garden can be free from the threat of cutworms, and you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty and bounty of your plants all season long.