Treatment Options:
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Hand-picking them and placing in a bucket of soapy water is the best option to control these pests. They can sometimes be challenging because they like to hold on tight to the plant.
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A great way to help control hornworms is with trichogramma wasps. They can be purchased and released in your garden to help! Ladybugs can also be a help to eat the eggs.
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Tomato hornworms can also be treated using the organic pesticide, BTK (bacillus thuringiensis Kurstaki). BTK is a naturally occuring microorganism that sickens and kills caterpillars. There are varied opinions regarding the safety of BTK, but it’s classified as an organic treatment and is certainly safer than using a more toxic pesticide.
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Sprinkle diatomaceous earth over areas you want to protect. Be careful though: DE can harm beneficial insects as well if they come in contact with it.
Plants to Watch:
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2 thoughts on “Garden Pests: How to Manage Tomato Hornworms in Your Garden”
I have not seen one of those since I was a kid! I can not imagine what ever happened to them. I know their populations fluctuate, but it is odd that they have been gone for so long. We do have similar caterpillars, but they are not as voracious.
Count yourself lucky. They have been prolific this year in my garden. I’ve lost several young pepper plants and a couple of tomatoes.