If you have noticed damage to your plants in your yard, garden, or home, then you might be dealing with a cutworm problem. These caterpillars do not emerge as beautiful butterflies, and may infest your plants in a variety of ways. On top of their obnoxious habit of ruining a number of species of plants like the ones commonly found in your normally lush garden to the orchids on your windowsill, they can also be difficult to identify.
Once cutworms have been introduced to an agricultural or horticultural environment, they often multiple at an astonishing rate. Since a single female can lay hundreds of eggs in grass and plant stems and leaves and they can be a nuisance to eradicate. The most common way they tend to attack plants is by severing stems near the ground, especially with seedlings. You might also notice your plants wilting or drooping if cutworms have found their way to the surrounding soil.
The damage to your plants can cause significant financial strain, especially if cutworms have attacked an agricultural operation. They are commonly attracted to field crops like corn, grains, and cotton as well as vegetables and houseplants. If you find yourself dealing with cutworms, then proactive measures are required in order to keep them from returning in the future and causing more damage.
What are cutworms?
Cutworms are the larval stage of various moth species, which is why there are several different types of them. While the species may vary, they are primarily found in the Noctuidae family, meaning you’ll find their main activity is during the night hours. Some examples of these include the black cutworm (Argotis ipsilon) and the variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia).
The most common indication that you might be dealing with cutworms are severed seedlings and plants near their roots. They are partial to the stems of young plants and since they are nocturnal, they can be difficult to find during daylight hours. This is why it can be a challenge to know whether a cutworm problem is what you are dealing with.
What do cutworms look like?
Cutworms’ general appearance can vary depending on the species, but they are typically soft-bodied caterpillars that measure up to two inches in length. You’ll find them in several different shades of colors including black, gray, brown, pink, tan, or green. Some even have features such as stripes or spots, as well.
How can you identify cutworms?
You will have to venture out at night to properly identify whether or not you have an infestation of cutworms. Since they are nocturnal feeders and spend their time hiding in the soil or under leaves during the day, the best way to see them in action is to visit the scene of the crime in the darkness.
When they are disturbed, cutworms are known to curl into a “C” shape. You’ll most likely find them near the soil and in weedy or grassy areas. However, some species are known to climb plants in order to feed on their leaves or buds, making them a formidable opponent.
You might also notice some small piles of sawdust-like material that has been created from the severing of your plants. This is called “frass,” and it is an indication that cutworms are present even if you can’t see them. An increase in the number of birds in your garden, lawn, or near crops can also indicate a cutworm infestation since they love to snack on these tasty caterpillars.
Things to know about cutworms
Here is some general information about cutworms that can help you to identify if this is the problem you and your plants might be facing.
Life cycle of a cutworm
The cutworm lifecycle begins when they are eggs laid in the soil, leaves, or stem of a plant by an adult female moth. These eggs are very small and are laid in clusters of a hundred or more. There is an incubation period of several days during the warmer summer months, though it might take longer for larvae to hatch if the weather is cooler.
Once they have entered the larval stage, they are officially known as cutworms. This is when they are out and about feeding during the night feeding on your plants and crops. Depending on the species, the eating habits might be different. Some types of cutworms choose to eat plants at their base, while others prefer the fruit or leaves higher up.
Cutworms remain in their larval stage for about three weeks during warm weather before they bury into the soil and become a pupa. Depending on environmental conditions and how cold it is, they will stay underneath the ground for 1-3 weeks in the winter before emerging as an adult moth. Some species of these moths can create multiple generations within a year, which is one of the reasons cutworms can be difficult to eradicate.
What do cutworms eat?
Cutworms are not picky when it comes to their diet. They are attracted to a large variety of plants, but they are a particular fan of vegetables like lettuce, celery, peas, tomatoes, and more. While they do love their legumes, they will go for different types of grasses, as well, so it is not uncommon to find them on your lawn as well as your garden. Likewise, if they get inside your home, they will also attack houseplants too.
Are cutworms dangerous/harmful?
While they can be a nuisance, cutworms are not harmful to people or pets. Since they do not transmit diseases, bite, or sting, they do not pose any significant health threat. However, the methods used to eradicate cutworms can be harmful because chemical insecticides are typically what is used both in the home and on agricultural operations.
How to prevent and treat cutworms
There are several ways you can avoid attracting cutworms in the first place. If you have a garden, keeping it clean by removing weeds and old mulch so they do not have a place to breed can be a great start. If you have a larger agricultural enterprise, rotating your crops can disrupt the lifecycle by exposing cutworm larva and pupae.
Encouraging cutworms’ predators can be a natural way to decrease the population. Certain birds and parasitic wasps love feeding on them, and this can help you avoid using toxic chemicals. You’ll also want to regularly inspect the area where you believe cutworms might be so you can remove them manually if needed.
If you ‘re having problems with cutworms and other lawn pests which you just don’t seem to be able to deal with, a professional can help you to identify if cutworms are the pest causing damage to your plants, yard, or crops and how to eradicate the problem. If you find you need assistance, you can reach out to At Home Pros, where we can help you find the top pest control professionals like our featured partners, Terminix Pest Control or Aptive Environmental. They have the expertise to address your pest problems efficiently and effectively, and can help you take the first step to a pest-free home and garden.
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