And…CUT! (Worms?)
Cutworms are the caterpillars of many different kinds of night moths. The moths themselves are not harmful at all to your garden plants, but the caterpillar stage of this insect’s life can be detrimental. Cutworms come in many colors, from shades of brown, to pink, to shades of green. Some are solid colored, while others can have intricate patterns. They are typically 1.5 inches in length, and when they feel threatened, they curl up into the shape of a “C”.
The cutworm tends to be most active (and harmful) during the Spring and early Summer months, right when all your precious plants are emerging from their winter hibernation or your new seedlings are first peeping their head’s above ground. If you find the stems of your plants have been severed just above the soil line, you hae cutworms. They are known to bite off much more than they can swallow, killing more vegetation than they actually can consume.
Some species spend their time underground, feeding on the roots of your plants, or the plants themselves, if they are subterranean plants. Other species will climb your trees and shrubs and feed on their leaves. If your garden is infested with cutworms, you can lose up to 75% of your vegetation in a matter of just a few days time. Not good, right?
How Can I Cut Cutworms Out of My Garden?
The best method (in my opinion) to reduce the damage done by cutworms is to reduce their numbers, which will, of course, reduce the damage they can cause. By tilling the soil once in the late summer (to reduce the number of eggs that can hatch) and once in the late fall (to expose the larvae, making them more likely to be eaten by predators), this will reduce their numbers greatly.
Some gardeners will place protection around the stems of their plants. Aluminum foil or cardboard are the most widely used. Just surround the plants’ stem, tucking the alumina foil or cardboard into the ground a few inches, making somewhat of a collar around the stem.
Another means of control is to make your garden attractive to cutworms’ natural enemies, including toads, lizards, and birds. Once you’ve tilled your soil and exposed the cutworms, they make for a delicious treat!
Typically, insecticides are not needed. If necessary, Sevin (carbaryl) 5% bait can be used to control cutworms. Obviously, ask your friendly salesperson at your local garden center for specific directions on how to use this insecticide.
The Best for Last!
And the final and fifth part in our Pesky Pests Series…BUNNIES! Okay, so calling them “bunnies” makes them sound too cute. How about I just call them rabbits? Until then, take care and happy gardening!