How to Rid Tomato Plants of Inch Worms

Inch worms eat tomatoes and other vegetables.

Inch worms, also known as cankerworms, are tiny, black, brown or green worms that are the larvae of moths. They are typically 1 inch long, hence their name, and pull the middle of their bodies up into the air when they move. Inch worms are frequent pests of vegetable plants, such as tomatoes, and can destroy an entire plant in a matter of days. Controlling inch worms on tomato plants should be done organically so as not to make the plant toxic to the humans who will be consuming it.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic drop cloth
• Trash bag
• Garden sprayer
• Bacillus thuringiensis

Instructions

1. Place a light-colored plastic drop cloth on the ground under the base of the tomato plant. Shake the tomato plant gently for 30 to 60 seconds to remove as many of the inchworms as possible. The worms will fall off the plant and onto the plastic drop cloth. Fold up the plastic drop cloth and place it into a trash bag to discard. Tie the top of the trash bag securely and place the bag into the trash can or take it to your local dump.

2. Into a garden sprayer, pour a solution of the insecticide bacillus thuringiensis mixed with water according to the instructions on the package. Bacillus thuringiensis is sold under several commercial names. It is harmful to insects but safe for humans.

3. Tthoroughly spray the entire tomato plant with the insecticidal spray until it is saturated. Make sure to spray the bottoms of the leaves and fruit, as any part that is not covered will still be susceptible to worm damage.

4. Wait five days and place another tarp under the tomato plant. Shake the leaves of the plant for approximately 30 seconds and examine the sheet to see if any inch worms have fallen off. If the sheet contains inch worms, apply a second application of bacillus thuringiensis to the tomato plants.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not apply bacillus thuringiensis when rain is expected as the insecticide must remain on the plant long enough for the inchworms to eat it.

• Plastic drop cloths are very inexpensive and are available at most discount stores.

References

• Utah State University Extension: Cankerworms
• All About Worms: All About Non-Toxic Ways to Eliminate Inch Worms