Adult tomato worms have a horn-like protrusion on their rear. But do not worry, they are not dangerous and will not sting you. Wearing gloves is a good way to help you feel more comfortable picking them up. Dropping the worms in bucket of soapy water can help if you are squeamish about crushing them. If you are having trouble seeing them, spraying the leaves with water will make them move. [2] X Research source
Wasps feed on tomato worms and attach their larvae to them. Once attached, the wasp larvae will feed on the tomato worm until it is dead. If you see tomato worms with wasp larvae attached (they will look like tiny grains of rice on the back of the caterpillars) remove them from your garden but do not kill them. This way any damage will end but the wasps can still do their jobs and it will help populate your garden with wasps. Ladybugs and lacewings are also beneficial insects if you would prefer not to have many wasps around. These insects eat tomato worms, rather than lay their eggs on them as the wasps do. Birds are also an option as they can easily spot the worms and eat them. Placing a bird feeder or bird bath near your garden can help attract birds. [4] X Research source
Tomato worms enjoy these plants more than tomatoes. As they eat their way through the decoy plants, your tomatoes will be safe and you can eliminate the pests as you see fit. These plants also tend to attract beneficial and predatory insects that can repel tomato worms. There are added benefits to the presence of some of these plants, such as basil which can help enhance the flavor of your tomatoes as they grow.
Botanical Bt (Bacillus Thuringiensis) is an organic insecticide that acts as a stomach poison and will not harm other plants or animals. Bt also kills cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, cutworms, and other harmful caterpillars. Pyrethrins are derived from the Chrysanthemum flower and are used to control fleas, flies, moths, ants and other pests. These organic insecticides are safer for human consumption than other inorganic compounds. [5] X Research source Spinosad is a natural substance made by soil bacterium. This insecticide is effective on tomato worms and pests such as spiders mites, mosquitoes, and ants. [6] X Trustworthy Source National Pesticide Information Center Organization run by Oregon State University providing objective, science-based information about pests and pesticides Go to source Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a biosafe mineral that’s harvested from the ocean. It will kill insects and worms if they come into contact with the fine dust. [7] X Expert Source Artemisia NurseryPlant Nursery & Garden Shop Expert Interview. 7 August 2020.
Dusts tend to last longer, provide a better coat, and do not require mixing before application. However, they can be harder to apply and drift to other plants in the wind. Sprays are mostly concentrated or in powder form and require you to mix them with water before use. Once this is done they can be spread quickly over a large area. [8] X Research source
The most important thing to remember is to read the package of the insecticide you choose for any warnings and environmental factors when applying. With any chemical-based product, test a small section of the plant for sensitivity and wait 24 hours before covering the full area. [9] X Research source
