Many species. Cutworms are dull gray, brown, or black, and may be striped or spotted. They are stout, soft-bodied and smooth, and up to 1 and 1/4 inches long. They curl up tightly when disturbed.
Tomato, pepper, cabbage, peas, beans, and squash.
Cut off plants above, at, or below soil surface. Some cutworms feed on leaves, buds, or fruits; others feed on the underground portions of plants. Particularly destructive to early season plantings.
Throughout United States.
You can prevent cutworm injury to transplants without using an insecticide. Place a stiff 3 inch cardboard collar around the stems; allow it to extend about 1 inch into the soil and protrude 2 inches above the soil; clear the stem by about 1/2 inch.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bactur, Dipel, SOK-BT, Thuricide) 2.0 to 3.0 tbsp will kill cutworms and is safe. Worms get sick the first day and die later.
If cultural control fails, follow the label instructions and precautions for pre-planting treatment of cutworm for Beans, Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Collards, Cucumbers, Endive, Kale, Lettuce, Lima Beans, Melons, Muskmelons, Onions, Parsley, Parsnips, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Radishes, Snap Beans, and Sweet Corn.
Notice: Because pesticide labels can change rapidly, you should read the label directions carefully before buying and using any pesticides. Regardless of the information provided here, you should always follow the latest product label when using any pesticide. If you have any doubt, please contact your local Extension agent or pesticide dealer for the latest information on pesticide label changes.
Disclaimer: Commercial products named on this site are for informational purposes only. Virginia Cooperative Extension does not endorse these products and does not intend discrimination against other products which also may be suitable.
Prepared by Alexandra Spring and Eric Day (Modified from a publication by the USDA)