Adult moths, which emerge after pupation, are brown to black and about 1 to 1 ½ inches long. They lay eggs on plant debris, which hatch into the larvae that are responsible for damaging your plants.
Identifying Cutworm Damage Cutworms feed on plants at the soil line, often severing stems and causing plants to wilt and die.
Tips to Naturally Prevent Cutworm Damage 1. Keep gardens tidy: Clean up garden debris in the fall to reduce overwintering sites. Rotate crops in the spring and consider using floating row covers to protect vulnerable plants.
2. Handpick cutworms: Head out in the evening or after dark with a flashlight to manually remove cutworms from affected plants.
3. Use plant collars: Create barriers around seedling stems using cardboard or aluminum foil to protect them from cutworms.
5. Experiment with companion planting: Certain plants like marigolds can repel cutworms. Planting them near vulnerable vegetables can help deter these pests.
6. Attract natural predators: Birds and predatory insects feed on cutworms. Installing bird feeders and creating habitats for beneficial insects can help control cutworm populations.
7. Delay transplanting: Wait a few weeks after the last frost to transplant vegetables, as cutworm activity tends to decrease as the season progresses.
8. Till the soil: Tilling the soil in spring or fall exposes cutworms to predators like birds, reducing their numbers.
9. Try organic pesticides: If necessary, use organic pesticides like Thuricide BT or diatomaceous earth. Always follow label instructions and avoid applying pesticides directly to flowers.