How do I get rid of Tobacco Hornworms in my yard?

Question

My Potato Vines are infested with Tobacco Hornworms.

http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/field/hornworm_larva.htm

Tonight, my husband and I pulled off almost 20 on three plants! (We drowned them in a bucket.) One of the plants is looking rather ragged. We just got our yard landscaped about two months ago and I really don't want to have to replace the plants. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

You can dust your vines with sulfur dust. Most nursery supply stores have sulfur dust for roses for control of Aphids. Even Walmart may have it. Sulfur is the old fashion tried and true way for killing tomatoe worms. they do their worse damage at night. the bigger they get, the more they eat and damage your vines at a tremenous rate. You can find a lot of them during the day as you water the plants. they hide under the leaves till nightfall. Look for their droppings on the ground then look up above the droppings to find them on the plant.

another way, but not as effective, is to mix up a little liquid dish soap (Cheap kind works good) in water and put it in a spray bottle and spray the plants with it. Fill the spray bottle up 3/4 with water first, then add a couple of tablespoons of liquid dish soap. Gently stir to mix it. avoid shaking it since it will turn into bubbles if you do.

Answer 2

Neem oil is a natural insecticide, you spray it on but you must do it almost every day...if all else fails try attracting some birds

Answer 3

http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4dmg/Pe...

Bt is preferred if you have smaller hornworms.... picking is good, too.... the pesticides mentioned here work if you have to go that far.....