Sasha CampbellMany garden pests are often called “worms,” even if they technically aren’t.
Some of these pests are caterpillars or larvae, and they have destructive behaviors that can harm your garden.
Types That Are Harmful to Your Garden
Many people use the term “worm” for any soft, squishy, elongated critters they find in the soil or on their plants.
Regardless of the terminology, these pests can wreak havoc on your garden. Below is a list of common bad garden “worms” and natural ways to keep them at bay.
1. Asian Jumping Worms
Asian jumping worms are invasive and destructive. They are known for their vigorous movements.
When disturbed, they wriggle like a snake. That’s why they’re called “jumping” worms.
They deplete the soil’s nutrients by eating organic matter at the surface [1]. This leaves soil less fertile for plants.
Natural Control Methods
To get rid of Asian jumping worms organically, collect them by hand when you spot them and dispose of them in sealed bags.
Another remedy is the heat treatment. Turn compost piles and mulch to expose the worms to the sun, as they are sensitive to heat.
You can also sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the infested area. It is a natural substance that dries out and kills soft-bodied insects and worms.
2. Cutworms
Despite their name, cutworms aren’t true worms but caterpillars—larvae of certain moths.
They wrap around the stems of seedlings and chew through them, cutting the plants down. They are also most active at night.
Natural Control Methods
You can try a few natural options to keep cutworms away from your garden.
If you don’t mind some nighttime work, go out with a flashlight and hand-pick cutworms off your plants. Next, drop them into a bucket of soapy water.
Cardboard collars may also work. Place a collar around the base of each plant, creating a barrier that cutworms cannot climb over.
Besides, you can sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of your plants. This will create a rough surface that cuts and repels these pests.
3. Land Flatworms
Land flatworms are predatory. They eat invertebrates, like earthworms. Earthworms are vital for soil health.
While they don’t directly harm plants, their presence can lead to a decline in beneficial earthworm populations. This will affect soil structure and fertility.
Natural Control Methods
To help eliminate these critters from your garden, dig them up and place them in a sealed bag for disposal.
Vinegar and citrus oil are also excellent home remedies for land flatworms. However, you must apply your chosen solution directly to the flatworms to kill them.
4. Armyworms
Armyworms are caterpillars that march through gardens, devouring plant leaves and stems. They can quickly strip a plant of its foliage, leaving significant damage.
These pests also go after turf grasses. An outbreak of armyworms can be destructive.
Natural Control Methods
To tackle armyworms naturally, spray neem oil on affected plants to disrupt their growth and feeding.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) also works. It targets caterpillars like armyworms and other pests.
You can also attract birds and helpful insects, like ladybugs and parasitic wasps. They prey on armyworms.
5. Root-Knot Nematodes
Root-knot nematodes are worm-like organisms that live in the soil. They can cause swelling and galls on plant roots, stunting growth and reducing yields.
These pests affect many agricultural and horticultural plants, so you must pay attention to your garden soil.
Natural Control Methods
Natural treatments for root-knot nematodes include nematode-suppressive plants like marigolds.
Marigolds release chemicals into the soil that repel nematodes. Plant them around affected areas to help reduce populations.
Solarization is another natural remedy. Cover the soil with a clear plastic tarp for a few weeks in the summer to heat the soil and kill nematodes.
Moreover, adding compost can improve soil health. This promotes the growth of beneficial microbes that can outcompete nematodes.
6. Corn Earworms
Corn earworms are caterpillars. They chew through corn kernels, leading to poor yields.
They may also target tomatoes and peppers.
Natural Control Methods
One home remedy for corn earworms is neem oil. Spray neem oil directly onto the ears of corn and leaves.
You can also apply Bt to infested areas to target the larvae.
Hand-picking is another organic option. If you do it yourself, it becomes the cheapest solution on this list. Check your corn regularly and remove any visible caterpillars.
7. Cabbage Worms
While they are called “worms” because of their appearance, they are not.
The cabbage worm is a velvety green caterpillar. It attacks cabbage, broccoli, and other leafy greens.
These pests chew through leaves, leaving unsightly holes and weakening the plant.
Natural Control Methods
To prevent cabbage worms from taking over, use floating row covers to avert adult butterflies from laying eggs on crops.
You can also apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This biological insecticide targets caterpillars without harming beneficial insects.
For small infestations, hand-pick the worms off plants. Then, drop them into soapy water.
8. Sod Webworms
Sod webworms are the larvae of lawn moths that live in grass. They chew on the stems and leaves of grass, leading to dead lawn patches.
Natural Control Methods
To help control sod webworms, water deeply. Deep watering can disrupt the larvae’s habitat, making it harder for them to survive.
Moreover, you can attract birds to your lawn, as they will feed on the webworms. You can also spray Bt on your lawn to target the webworm larvae.
9. Wireworms
Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles. They burrow into plants’ roots, stems, and tubers [2].
They damage crops like potatoes and carrots.
Natural Control Methods
To help control wireworms, set up traps using cut pieces of potato buried just below the soil surface. Next, check the traps and remove any wireworms.
Another home remedy is crop rotation. Rotate crops to disrupt the wireworm life cycle.
You can also apply beneficial nematodes to the soil, which will attack and kill wireworms.
10. Grub Worms
These pests are the larvae of beetles like Japanese beetles.
They live in the soil and feed on the roots of your plants. This causes patches of dead grass and weakened plant roots.
Natural Control Methods
To keep grub worms under control, introduce beneficial nematodes like NemaSeek to your soil. They will hunt and kill grub worms without harming your plants.
Milky Spore powder is also effective against Japanese beetle grubs. Sprinkle it over the soil to target grub populations.
Moreover, you can attract some birds too. They will eat the grubs.
Takeaway
Not all “worms” are harmful to your garden, but the ones that can cause severe damage if left unchecked.
Fortunately, many natural remedies can control these pests. They won’t harm the environment or your plants.
From manual removal to introducing beneficial organisms, you can protect your garden from these troublesome critters.
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