How to Control Corn Ear Worms
Corn ear worms are 1- to 2-inch caterpillars that are green, yellow, pink or brown with a white stripe and black legs. They pupate into tan-colored moths with a 1 1/2- to 2-inch wingspan. Corn ear worms feed on various food crops.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Look for large holes in the leaves of corn plants. (Early and late cultivars of corn are most affected.)
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2
Dab mineral oil on the tips of corn ears to prevent ear worms from entering.
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3
Release green lacewings, a natural predator of corn ear worms.
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4
Spray Bacillus thuringiensis, an organic control for caterpillars, when silks turn brown to prevent corn ear worms from entering. Bacillus thuringiensis (or Bt) is a bacteria and is safe to use around children and pets.
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5
Mix molasses and pyrethrin bait and paint around the base of corn plants to kill the adults as they emerge from the soil. Pyrethrin is an organic pesticide made from a variety of chrysanthemum.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Spray pesticides during the period of the day when the insects are most active to get the best control.
Always try the least toxic method of pest control as your first step.
Plant cultivars with tight husks.
Adults will travel great distances to find food. Females lay their eggs on leaves or on the tips of corn ears. Eggs hatch in three days, the larvae then feed for two to four weeks, then pupate in the soil surrounding the corn plants. Adult moths hatch in 10 to 25 days. It is possible to have as many as four generations of corn ear worms in one year.
Although Bt is organic and safe to use, it will kill all types of caterpillars, including butterfly larvae. Spray only the plants that are affected.
Never use chemical pesticides on food crops.
