Tomato hornworms are a common pest that most gardeners dread of. They are a nuisance and can destroy your tomato crop in a matter of days. The worst is – they’re hard to spot! They seem to come and go to wreak havoc on your plants. So where do tomato hornworms come from? Let’s find out!
Where Do Tomato Hornworms Come From?
Tomato hornworms are the larvae of a Carolina sphinx moth. This kind of moth is also referred to as the hummingbird moth because of its size and how it hovers around flowers. The Carolina sphinx moth is a large, brown, and gray moth with white spots on its wings.
The Carolina sphinx moth usually lays its egg on the underside of a tomato leaf. Once the egg hatches, the larva (or caterpillar) will start to feed on the plant’s leaves. The caterpillar usually goes underneath the soil to pupate and would resurface back to the ground in between feedings.
This is one of the primary reasons why gardeners often find it difficult to spot and control them. They can easily camouflage with the leaves and soil, making them hard to spot until it’s too late. You’ll only know when you have tomato hornworms through their droppings, usually found on the leaves or on the ground.
Controlling Tomato Hornworms
Tomato hornworms are considered to be one of the largest caterpillars in North America. They can grow up to four inches in length, and their appetite is just as big!
If you happen to spot them on your plants, the best way to remove them is by handpicking them off and disposing of them.
You can also use Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) or neem oil as a form of organic pest control. BT is a deadly bacteria to caterpillars but won’t harm other insects, animals, or humans.
This bacteria will paralyze the caterpillar’s digestive system, causing them to stop eating and eventually die.
On the other hand, neem oil is an oil extracted from the seeds of the neem tree. It works by suffocating the caterpillars and disrupting their growth cycle.
Where do tomato hornworms come from?: Final Thoughts
Spotting and getting rid of tomato hornworms as soon as possible is crucial in saving your tomato crop. These pests can wreak havoc in your garden, so it’s important to be on the lookout for them.
With a bit of patience and effort, you can get rid of them and enjoy a bountiful harvest.
Related article: What is Eating Small Holes in My Tomato Leaves?