Quick facts
Signs: Seedlings cut off at soil level overnight.
Organic control list:
Prevention note: Protect new transplants immediately.
- Use collars around seedlings.
- Hand-pick at night.
- Use BT where appropriate.
- Turn soil lightly before planting.
Plant pest guide
Cutworms
Signs: Seedlings cut off at soil level overnight.
What to do next
- Isolate the plant if it is indoors or in a crowded collection.
- Inspect leaf undersides, stems, soil surface, and new growth.
- Physically remove what you can with water, wiping, pruning, or hand-picking.
- Use the lowest-risk organic control that matches the pest.
- Repeat checks because eggs and hidden life stages often survive the first treatment.
Watch-outs
Do not spray first and identify later. The wrong treatment wastes time and may stress the plant.
Related
FAQ
How do I use this plant pest guide?
Start with the light, soil, water, symptom, or purpose notes on this page, then make one careful change at a time.
What is the biggest mistake with Cutworms?
Do not spray first and identify later. The wrong treatment wastes time and may stress the plant.
When should I get more help?
Get local help if the plant is valuable, symptoms are spreading quickly, or outdoor disease and pest problems may affect nearby plants.