From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Topsfield, Ma.

These critters showed up overnite and ruining my plants!
Whats the best strategy for eradication? Plucked about a dozen from 6 plants but I know there's more...any help greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Duff

8/22/2009 8:43:05 PM

Winston Salem NC

When I find them I usually spray with Bifren. You cant pick for 3 days on mine I think I would have to look.
Rick

8/22/2009 10:36:21 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Pick them by hand, they do not do enough damage. Chemicals are not the answer for something you plan on putting in your own mouth.

8/23/2009 7:45:19 AM

Topsfield, Ma.

Linus, I will continue to hand pick 'em...I was looking for an easy out...LOL! I beg to differ about damage...these guys never "finish" any mater, they just eat a portion of many fruit and move on...? Frustrating is all!
Thanks for the replies folks, Duff

8/23/2009 8:01:15 PM

Winston Salem NC

I usually grow 96-115 plants each year so I know where youre coming from duff. This year I grew totally organic. Insecticidal soap will somewhat discourage them. I probibly have lost 5 bushels so far this year to the worms. Even though they only eat a small spot on the skin the fruit will not keep long afterwards. Usually I only lose 1-2 bushels with the spray program I used. One thing I have noticed is some varieties of tomatos worms dont mess with as much. My supersweet 100 cherry tomato plants do not show any damage at all.

8/23/2009 9:48:10 PM

Bloomington, IN

Bt - kills em dead - no chemicals

8/23/2009 11:45:17 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

Thanks Rick and Cholo for the info. Noticed more on some plants than others for sure. I know about insecticidal soap and will give it a try, but would like to hear more about Bt? Cholo got any additional info ? Thanks in advance, Duff

8/24/2009 8:07:47 PM

Bloomington, IN

http://www.ghorganics.com/Thuricide%20BTK%20for%20Caterpillars.html

This stuff can usually be found at garden centers and farmers co-ops. Any store that specializes in organic gardening will definitely have it. Another thing it can be used for other than tomato hornworms is if an SVB gets into your pumpkin vines and you don't use systemics you can inject it into your vines to take care of the borer (syringe can also be found at the co-op). Hope this helps.
Brian

8/24/2009 11:28:07 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

Thanks Cholo, gonna check it out! Not enough time in the day to hand pick tomoato worms, tend to the punkins and LG's...LOL! Duff

8/25/2009 9:13:27 PM