Cutworms
Young seedlings are cut off at or just above the soil surface, often overnight. Damaged plants wilt and collapse suddenly. Feeding usually occurs at night, and the caterpillars often hide in the soil during the day.
Young seedlings are cut off at or just above the soil surface, often overnight. Damaged plants wilt and collapse suddenly. Feeding usually occurs at night, and the caterpillars often hide in the soil during the day.
Cutworms are the larvae of several species of night-flying moths. Adult moths lay eggs on weeds, crop residues, or soil, and the newly hatched larvae feed on young seedlings soon after emerging.
Inspect the garden in the evening and hand-pick cutworms when found. Place protective collars made from cardboard or plastic around young seedlings. Remove weeds and crop debris, and use approved biological or chemical controls if infestations become severe.
Keep the garden free of weeds and plant debris, cultivate the soil before planting to expose larvae, use seedling collars, and inspect young plants regularly during the first few weeks after transplanting.