Organic Tomato Hornworm Control: Protect Tomato Plants

By Barbara Pleasant
Published on May 7, 2013
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Illustration By Keith Ward
Hornworms are the larvae of a large mottled tan sphinx moth that flies at night.

This article is part of ourOrganic Pest Control Series, which includes articles on attracting beneficial insects, controlling specific garden pests, and using organic pesticides.

Tomato Hornworms (Manduca quinquemaculata)

The most common insect pests of tomatoes, tomato hornworms (Manduca quinquemaculata) and closely related tobacco hornworms (M. sexta) are frequently found feeding on leaves and stems of tomatoes, peppers and other solanaceous crops. Uncontrolled, they will eat holes in tomato fruits, too. Organic tomato hornworm controls include handpicking or applying a Bt insecticide. 

Native to North America, tomato hornworms can be found in most climates where tomatoes will grow. Tobacco hornworms are more common in the southeast and southwest, but rarely seen in northern regions.

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