How to Spot a Cabbage Worm

Although sometimes difficult to see, cabbage worms often leave behind damage to plants that's quite obvious and that can be extremely frustrating to gardeners. There are some simple steps you can take to identify cabbage worms. Once identified, you can then eliminate them by either picking the worms off the plants by hand, by using permeable row cover or by spraying with an organic pesticide.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look for large, irregularly shaped holes in the leaves of plants such as cabbage, kale and broccoli. These holes can indicate the possible presence of cabbage worms. If left alone, the worms will decimate the plant.

2. Check the damaged leaves closely to find cabbage worms. If you find them, check nearby leaves as cabbage worms are likely to be there as well. You may need to look on the underside of the leaves to find the worms.

3. Search for small to mid-size green worms. These worms may be similar in color to the leaves they are attacking, and they may be difficult to spot due to their small size.

4. Seek any damage to other parts of the plant, such as broccoli heads. Worms may enter these parts and begin attacking them as well.

5. Be on the lookout for butterflies or moths on plants susceptible to cabbage worms. These could indicate the presence or future presence of cabbage worms.

Tips & Warnings

• Cabbage worms move like inch worms and can be about an inch long. The larvae (which cause damage to plants) can be active from spring until fall.