Ortho Cabbageworm Control

Cabbageworm Identification

• Identify pests before choosing and applying pesticides. Cabbageworms are up to 1.5 inches long. Bright green with pale white stripes, they blend well into many plants, making them hard to see. Moving in an inchworm-like manner, cabbageworms are often mistaken for inchworms until crop damage is noticeable. Starting on the outside of the leaf, look for smooth but irregularly shaped missing parts caused by chewing. Worm droppings are dark green. Growing varieties of Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale make spotting these worms easier.

Malathion Insect Spray Concentrate

• A 1-quart container of Malathion Insect Spray concentrate makes up to 96 gallons of spray. Begin using this pesticide when cabbageworms appear. Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid concentrate with 1 gallon of water. Wearing gloves, long sleeves, and long pants, spray a fine mist on the entire plant, including stems. Cabbageworms hide under leaves and in crevices. Wait seven days before reapplying. Wait three days after applying to harvest broccoli. Wait seven days after applying to harvest Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale.

Ortho Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Insect Killer

• Ready to use, this pesticide is fast and efficient. Apply as soon as cabbageworms are noticed. Adjust the nozzle to a fine spray, and gently shake the container to mix. Holding the sprayer 12 inches from the plant, spray until plants are covered, stopping before liquid drips from plants. This product may be used every seven days, with four uses maximum.

Bug-B-Gon Max Garden Insect Dust

• On a windless day, put on a pair of gloves, and unscrew the container's cap. Remove the seal. Replace and open the cap. Holding the container 12 inches over the plants, gently squeeze the container to release a fine dust. Shake the container sideways to apply a light dust on the plants. Cover both tops and bottoms of leaves. Shaking the container up and down rather than sideways creates a dust too heavy for safe use. Bug-B-Gon Max Garden Insect Dust may be be used up to five times per crop. Wait one day after you apply the insecticide to harvest the vegetables.