How Does a Tomato Worm Get Into a Tomato Plant?

Characteristics of Tomato Worms

• Tomato worms, such as the tomato hornworms and cutworms, are the ultimate foliage destroyers. Tomato hornworms bear strong resemblance to the common caterpillars, which, eventually, transforms into hummingbird moth. During its young stage, the hornworm looks like a large caterpillar with a smooth, green, horned body that bears fake eyes along the sides. Tomato hornworms are fast workers -- they will chew and feed on anything as quickly as they can. Cutworms, on the other hand, cut down on young plants. Large infestations of cutworms feed at night on young stems. Species of cutworms include Agrotis, Amathes, Peridroma and Prodenia. They generally they destroy more of the plant than they eat, according to University of Rhode Island Extension. Cutworms may destroy as much as 75 percent of a crop.

How do Hornworms Get into Tomatoes

• The green color of the hornworms enables them to blend very well with the tomato foliage. Their presence will remain unnoticed because of their green color, which gives them a natural camouflage. They eat, grow and work fast. These annoying little armies of destruction can completely ruin your crops in less than three days. Tomato hornworms feed by sucking dry the nectar of tomatoes and other garden plants. Female hornworms lay eggs on the tomato leaves. Once these eggs hatch into worms, feasting begins. Tomato worms usually begin their attacks in the middle of summer up to the end of the tomato growing season.

How do Cutworms Get Into Tomato Plants?

• Cutworms can invade tomato plants in four ways depending on the species. Solitary surface cutworms, which include black, bronzed, clay-backed and dingy cutworms, will cut off the young tomato plants at or slightly above soil lines. They attack and fell new tomato plants at night time. The climbing species, which include variegated and spotted cutworms, climb the stems of the tomato plants and eat the leaves and fruits. Subterranean species, which include the pale western and glassy cutworms, feed on the tomato plant's roots and underground parts by remaining in the soil. Army cutworms attack in huge numbers and consume the tops of plants and then "marching" on to other areas of the garden or fields.

How to Manage Tomato Worms

• It's important to locate tomato worms right away. Tomato worms, such as the hornworms, hide very well and leave only trails of defoliated stems. Tomato worms make clicking sounds. Pick them off by hand or use pliers for stubborn and hard-clinging critters and drop them in a pail of soapy water. Common vegetable insecticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis sprays are highly recommended and also act as good repellents. Preventive maintenance, as always is the best remedy to ensure that your crops are tomato worm-free. Check regularly over the next few days for eggs that may be hiding underneath the foliage.