Cutworms
Cutworms are dull brown caterpillars that curl into a C-shape when disturbed. Normally they are found
on or just below the soil surface or on lower parts of plants and are commonly active at night. They are
smooth skinned and have various markings.
Identification of species
DamageCutworms attack most garden crops. They clip off seedling stems near or just below the soil level. A
few species chew holes into leaves or bore into heads of lettuce or cole crops. Holes may be chewed in
young fruit or vegetables, and fruiting stems wilt and fall.
Solutions
Destroy crop residues; keep garden weed-free
in winter. Hand-picking at night with a flashlight is very
effective. In vegetable gardens, protect seedlings with
cardboard collars, screen, or protective
cloth.
Always plant a greater stand than desired to allow for some
losses by seedling pests. Some damage can be avoided by planting
hardy transplants. Climbing cutworms can be kept out of perennial
crops such as
berries with sticky collars. Larger plants may be protected
with Bacillus
thuringiensis or spinosad sprays.
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