
If it’s warm enough, there will be a first generation that matures into moths and lays a second generation that will overwinter in the soil of your garden.

Then they drop off the plant and burrow into the soil to form their cocoon and transform into moths. Over a period of three to four weeks, they go through five molts before becoming full-sized adult worms. The larvae of these species hatch in late spring or early summer. When you pick up a hornworm, it may wrap around your finger and cling to your skin-an odd sensation that is sometimes unpleasant but not hazardous. The horn-like projection isn’t sharp enough to pierce the skin. To prevent a future infestation, thoroughly till your garden soil at the beginning and end of the growing season to kill any larvae.Tomato hornworms are not poisonous to humans in spite of their frightening appearance.

You can also spray your plants with an insecticidal soap to kill any tomato worms on them. Bt is an organic pesticide that’s safe for plants and other animals but kills larval insects when it’s ingested.

Applying Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, to your infested plants will kill tomato worms as well. These insects feed on tomato worms and their eggs. Introducing wasps, ladybugs, or green lacewings to your garden can also help control the tomato worm population. You can also spray your plants with a hose to knock off and drown small tomato worms. Check both sides of the leaves on your plants and along the ground to make sure you’re catching them all. If you have a small garden, handpick the tomato worms off of your plants and drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them. Tomato worms can quickly take a toll on your vegetable garden, but fortunately they’re easy to control using a few different strategies. Plant Nursery & Garden Shop Expert Interview. It will kill insects and worms if they come into contact with the fine dust.

Be careful in choosing as some may be harmful to beneficial insects. There are many options of insecticide to pick from and the choices may seem daunting.
