Cutworms
insectVarious (Noctuidae)
Caterpillars that cut seedling stems at soil level at night. Major seedling pest.
Identification
Seedlings found cut off at soil line in morning. Curl into C-shape when disturbed. 1-2 inch dull gray-brown caterpillars.
Damage & Symptoms
Seedling stems severed at or just below soil line. Clean cut. One cutworm can destroy multiple seedlings per night.
Organic Control
Cardboard or plastic collars around transplants (pushed 1 inch into soil). Bt in evening. Hand-pick at night.
Chemical Control
Carbaryl bait. Apply in evening.
Prevention
Collars around transplants. Remove garden debris where moths lay eggs. Fall tillage exposes larvae to birds. Delay planting after clearing weeds.
Data confidence: medium | Source: curated_ipm