How do you treat tomato hornworms?

Peggy W
by Peggy W
I prefer to use organic methods but this season the tomato hornworms are thick as thieves and so far we have had no parasitic wasps laying their eggs. We picked them off and squished them but I really need to get rid of them once and for all as we are counting on our tomato crop for a good portion of our winter food supply.
  5 answers
  • 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) on Aug 01, 2012
    Have you tried Bt? Take a look at this product http://www.ghorganics.com/Thuricide%20BTK%20for%20Caterpillars.html must have direct contact with the hornworm or you could use liquid sevin but also needs to be direct contact.
  • Peggy W Peggy W on Aug 01, 2012
    I have not... in fact we just noticed the tomato hornworms today.
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Aug 02, 2012
    I agree that Bt is the way to go.
  • Peggy W Peggy W on Aug 14, 2012
    I just wanted to say thank you! Between hand picking and the Bt I think we have the hornworms under control. It does keep raining so I've had to reapply a bit more frequently but so far, so good. It looks like our season is slowing down a bit but we got more this year than last (which was nothing!!) so I'm happy with our progress. I know it takes a while to start up a successful garden in a new region so I am thoroughly happy with any progress!! HOme grown fresh corn, to eat & can, basil, thyme, tomatoes... yes its been a good year so far!!
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Aug 15, 2012
    Congratulations, Peggy. Enjoy your harvest!