Sasha CampbellIf you’re a farmer, you know the damage that wireworms can do to your crops.
The adults (click beetles) are harmless to plants. But their larvae can be very destructive. If you’re not careful, they can ruin your vegetable garden.
Wireworms can quickly ruin your crop, whether it’s your beets, potatoes, or carrots. But don’t despair; there are natural ways to fight against these pests.
Keep an eye out for these little buggers and take action to get rid of them.
Identification
Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles. They are slender, hard-bodied, and range in color from white to dark brown. They get their name from their wire-like shape [1].
Wireworms are destructive pests of crops and grasses. They feed on the roots of plants, damaging or killing them. They are mainly fond of potatoes but can also damage corn, wheat, and other crops.
How to Get Rid of Wireworms Naturally
There are many natural ways to rid your garden of wireworm pests.
Wireworm larvae are difficult to control because they’re attracted to moist soil [2], so keeping your garden area dry is essential.
You can also try using beneficial nematodes, microscopic worms that kill wireworms, and other pests in your soil. Finally, baited traps can lure wireworms away from your plants.
Try out these and the other natural remedies and methods in this article to see which ones work best for you.
1. Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is one of the best ways to prevent wireworms from damaging plants.
Rotating your garden crops each year can help break the wireworm life cycle and prevent these pests from becoming an issue.
2. Diatomaceous Earth
You can also try using diatomaceous earth, a sedimentary rock with sharp edges that can kill certain insects and pests.
You can sprinkle it over the soil to kill any worms that come across it. This is our recommended brand. We also recommend using this remedy to get rid of wireworms in your house.
3. Birds
If you’re having trouble with wireworms in your fields, one solution is to enlist the help of birds. That’s right; birds can help control wireworms naturally.
One way to do this is to put bird feeders and baths in your garden. The birds will come and eat the food and drink the water, and in the process, they’ll also eat the wireworms.
Another option is to build a birdhouse. The birdhouse will draw birds to your garden, and the birds will help control these and other pests.
4. Remove Larvae from Soil
Another organic wireworm control method is to remove the larvae from the soil. You can do this by tilling the soil in your garden or using a wireworm trap.
You can also flood the area with water. Doing this will force the wireworms to the surface, where you can collect them.
5. Potato Trap
To make a potato-baited trap to control wireworms, cut a potato in half. Next, sink the potato in the soil near plants that are being damaged by the worms.
Check the potato after a few days. You’ve caught a wireworm if there are any small, whitish, or dark-colored worms on it.
Remove any wireworms you find. Repeat as necessary until the critters are under control.
6. Beneficial Nematodes
These microscopic organisms can help you take care of those pesky pests once and for all. They will parasitize wireworms and other pests living in the soil.
Following the packaging instructions, apply them to your garden using a watering can. These tiny, natural predators are safe for humans and pets.
7. Flour Bait
If you suspect wireworms have taken up residence in your garden, flour bait is an easy way to control them.
Mix flour with honey to form small balls and bury them in areas where you’ve seen wireworms.
The pests will be attracted to the bait. Check it every 4 to 5 days and see how many wireworms are there.
8. Avoid Using Coffee Grounds in the Garden
While many gardeners tout the benefits of using coffee grounds in their gardens, avoid using them if you’re hoping to keep these worms away.
Coffee grounds can attract wireworms, as worms love to eat them, so it is best to avoid using them in your garden.
9. Plant Later in the Season
Planting your crops later in the season can help reduce the population of wireworms. Avoid planting too early when the soil is cold.
By waiting until temperatures rise to plant, you can help discourage these little critters from living in your garden.
10. Trap Crops
Trap crops are plants you can use to attract pests away from other crops.
These sacrificial crops are usually planted around the perimeter of your garden or even right in the middle of it. They will help keep wireworms away from your main crops.
The key is ensuring the trap crop is well-established before the wireworms feed.
11. Debug On
This natural product is made of natural extracts from neem seed kernels and can be used to control wireworms without harming your plants.
It also effectively controls other garden pests, like armyworms, whiteflies, and beetles. Moreover, Debug On organic insecticide is safe for children and pets.
12. Bonide Captain Jack’s Neem Max
You can also use this natural pesticide to get rid of wireworms in your vegetable garden. Bonide Neem Max works by disrupting the pests’ life cycles and preventing them from reproducing.
13. Azera Gardening
Another great pesticide for wireworms is Azera Gardening. It’s also organic, so you can feel good about using it.
Following the instructions that come with your purchase, mix the product with water and spray it on your plants and soil. Those pesky wireworms will be gone in no time.
This product is made with pyrethrins and azadirachtin, which are natural ingredients that are safe for plants and soil.
It will kill wireworms and keep away other pests, such as asparagus beetles, cabbage maggots, codling moths, and borers.
Takeaway
There are many ways to control wireworms organically, but the most effective approach is to use a combination of methods.
You can control pests using diatomaceous earth, beneficial nematodes, or other methods. This way, you avoid harmful chemicals.
With a little effort, your garden and pasture will be free of these pests in no time.
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