Things You'll Need:
- Gloves
- Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
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Step 1
Handpick as an effective way of controlling hornworms. Wearing garden gloves, hunt these creatures down and pluck them from your plants. They are often camouflaged and turn the same color as your tomato leaves. You can get an idea where they are by finding and looking above their round black droppings. Dispose of them by snipping them in two with garden clippers or simply step on them. Do not kill any hornworm that looks like it has grains of rice on its back: they might be parasitic wasp cocoons, which will eventually kill the worm. These cocoons will hatch into more wasps that can be instrumental in killing more hornworms.
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Step 2
If you want to use a non-chemical product, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a powder that is available at garden centers. Bt is a natural soil bacteria and is very safe for humans, pets and the environment if used according to directions.Following label instructions, spray Bt in places where hornworms exist. Nighttime is best, as these creatures are most active then.
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Step 3
Grow nectar or pollen plants. These plants attract parasitic wasps, which can control hornworm populations. Plants such as dill, carrots, angelica, parsley and Queen Anne’s lace are especially good for attracting beneficial insects.
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Step 4
Hoe the first two inches of soil around your tomato plants in the spring. Look for large brown pupa or chrysalis and dispose of them.
