Garden Help
Diagnose plant problems and treat garden pests


Get Gardening Help!

Home > Pests & Diseases >

Cutworms


Image of Cutworms

Description

These are not worms, but caterpillars from a number of different moths who live in the soil, growing up to 4cm long. They are greyish-brown or pale green in colour.

Symptoms

Usually the first sign they are present is when plants suddenly start wilting, with the cutworm to be found beneath the affected plant in summer, particularly the roots of vegetables and salads. They also feed above ground level at night in mild weather, feeding on the lower leaves of herbaceous plants, salads and vegetables.

What next...

Now you know what the problem is, and the damage it is doing, don't let your plant suffer.

All Treatments for Cutworms

Organic Treatments for Cutworms


For specific problems try one of our specialists...

Latest Gardening & Horticultural Careers


Explore Gardens from Around the World


Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Missouri Botanical Garden
St. Louis, Missouri, USA



Watch a Video!

Digging Up Sweet Potatoes
Digging Up Sweet Potatoes
Is it safe to compost rhubarb leaves?
Is it safe to compost rhubarb leaves?
How do I insulate my greenhouse?
How do I insulate my greenhouse?
Why are my pansies and violas wilting?
Why are my pansies and violas wilting?
How do I protect my grapes from insects?
How do I protect my grapes from insects?
When is the best time to prune my bottle brush plant?
When is the best time to prune my bottle brush plant?