Bad Bug: Hornworms

horn worm

Hornworm

Seems like these pests are coming out and feeding on our plants. Tomato Hornworms can be found in most any region of the U.S. and can ruin your tomato crop in record time; they also feed on eggplant, peppers, and potato. They can blend in quite easily with the green foliage and feed non-stop, creating spotty and chewed leaves and fruit.

Tomato Hornworms can can ruin a tomato crop in record time: it seems like they appear out of nowhere and start feeding voraciously. They do the most damage in the caterpillar, or larvae, stage. They are pale green with white and black markings, plus a horn-like protrusion.

Because they blend in easily with the green foliage and feed non-stop they can quickly create spotty and chewed leaves and fruit. Note: They also feed on eggplants, peppers and potatoes.

How to get rid of Tomato Hornworms?
Just pick them off with a pair of gloves (because they have a horn) and feed them to the birds or spray them with any type of organic insecticide or conventional sprays. Stop by and ask our gardening experts what product they recommend for your needs.

To keep hornworms away next year, try planting dill and/or marigolds between tomato plants.