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How to Get Rid of Green Garden Worms
How to Get Rid of Green Garden Worms. There are a variety of green worms and caterpillars that enjoy snacking on leaves in vegetable gardens. While their color camouflages their presence in foliage and green vegetables, the damage they leave behind is an undeniable calling card. Common green, leaf-eating pests include the tomato hornworm, inchworm,...
There are a variety of green worms and caterpillars that enjoy snacking on leaves in vegetable gardens. While their color camouflages their presence in foliage and green vegetables, the damage they leave behind is an undeniable calling card. Common green, leaf-eating pests include the tomato hornworm, inchworm, cabbage worm and luna moth larvae. Their presence in your garden can be eradicated with biological insecticide applications designed to harm pests while keeping plants safe.
Things You'll Need
Bacillus thuringiensis (BT)
Gloves
Examine the plants at night to be sure worms are the ones causing damage. Visit the garden after dark with a flashlight. Look on the bottom of chewed leaves for worms or caterpillars. Give the plant a shake to see if any of the worms drop out.
Apply BT to leaf surfaces on damaged plants. Wearing gloves, sprinkle a light dusting of BT powder on both sides of the leaves. Only a small amount is required. Use between 1 to 2 oz. of the powder for each application on a 50-foot garden row.
Apply another dusting of BT in seven days to kill worms that hatched from eggs laid on the leaves. Continue to apply the product as needed up to harvest.
Tips & Warnings
Most hardware and garden supply stores carry BT under the band names Dipel Dust or Thuricide.
Wash your hands thoroughly after applying BT.
BT is a is a natural insecticide that is safe for use in organic gardens.
BT kills caterpillars, moth larvae and worms shortly after they ingest the bacterium. Since all caterpillars are affected, butterflies can also die from BT exposure. BT will not hurt honeybees or control any pest that is not a worm or caterpillar.
BT can be harmful to humans if swallowed or inhaled. If applying BT to a large area, wear a mask to protect your mouth and nose.
Keep BT stored out of reach of children and pets.
