Tomato horn worms grrrr!!!!

[desertlady]

Last night I noticed something eating top of my tomato plant ! I know its got to be tomato worms But I looked and looked all over for it ! I cant find him!! what else could be eating it? I am guessing grasshoppers? aauurrrgg!! How fun it is to look for bugs!

 

[vfem]

I'm sure its a hornworm. They are the MASTERS of invisibility! I also see the damage, but rarely find where they went. Its especially hard in the evening light.

Now you see what those hummingbird moths do!!! UGH!

 

[The Mama Chicken]

I've heard that if you spray the plant with water the horn worm will thrash around and be easier to find. I just look on the ground, under the plant, for the freshest (greenest) droppings and look above that spot, they're usually near there. My nine year old daughter is particularly good at spotting them.

 

[catjac1975]

They are hugh and gross and hide so well. Follow the poop trail. If fyou can lift the branches you will probably see them easier. My chickens won't even eat them.

 

[Dave2000]

I have the best luck finding them in the morning, it seems that here something eats them if they sit out visible for several hours.

 

[desertlady]

Dave2000 I will check them out tomorrow morning. I do remember finding them best in the mornings. Just a while ago I still cant find him !! My tomato bush is huge. I know there is at least one . Catjac1975 My chickies love to eat them, Last year I pulled off 8 and they fight over them ! I couldnt stand to watch them eat it !

 

[baymule]

Red wasps are your friend.


http://www.theeasygarden.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=34025

 

[desertlady]

Thanks baymule, Thats interesting !! I have seen few red wasps here , I really hope they got them !! I couldnt find one this morning....

 

[catjac1975]

BT will kill them-organic.

 

[Stubbornhillfarm]

As I was looking at my tomato plants last night. I noticed some holes in some leaves. Turned them over and sure enough! On each one, was a tiny horn worm, about 1/2 long and many, mnay eggs. I squished as many as I could and suspect that this may now be an evening ritual.