![]() Hornworms are among the largest of all caterpillars found in Colorado, some reaching lengths of three inches or more. ![]() Whitelined sphinx, a common “hummingbird” moth. Adult stages of hornworms are known as sphinx, hawk, or “hummingbird” moths. ![]() Although the “tomato hornworm” damages garden plants, most hornworm species cause insignificant plant injury.Hornworms are among the largest caterpillars found in Colorado.Female wasps will actually lay their eggs under the skin of the hornworm and when they hatch, the larvae will eat the hornworm from the inside out. The picture below is a hornworm covered in wasp eggs. Wasps are another beneficial insect to have around the garden for hornworm control as well. They eat the Hawk Moth eggs on the underside of leaves which reduces the hornworm population in the garden. Ladybugs are an invaluable insect to welcome into your garden. ![]() Other Natural Ways to Reduce Hornworm Problems Promote Beneficial Insects Therefore, it is harmless to beneficial insects in the garden. BT is sprayed onto the foliage of plants and only affects insects that eat the leaves. ![]() The main organic pesticide that people typically use to control hornworm problems is BT or Bacillus thuringiensis (no affiliation), which is a naturally occurring bacteria that kills hornworms when ingested. If you decide to go this route, make sure to check which pesticides are approved for your area. There are also several organic and inorganic foliar sprays you can use to poison the hornworms when they ingest it. Toss tomato hornworms in soapy water to dispose of them Use Insect Spray ![]()
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