These small holes are telltale signs of the cabbage worm. Actually, the are several insects that cause this type of damage and are generally referred to as ‘cabbage worms’. This includes the imported cabbage worm, the diamondback caterpillar and cabbage looper.
What can I put on my cabbage to keep bugs off?
For a more in-depth infestation, make a repellent spray by mixing one tablespoon of dish soap with one cup of vegetable oil and one cup of water and spray down the entire plant, especially the underside of the leaves, where worms and other pests like to hide out.
What is eating the leaves of my cabbage?
ANSWER: The most common cabbage pests are aphids, worms, moths, and slugs. Aphids and other mites drain the essential sap from cabbage leaves, leaving the plant weak and damaged, as well as more susceptible to other pest infestations and diseases.
How do I get rid of cabbage worm?
8 ORGANIC WAYS TO PREVENT & CONTROL CABBAGE WORMS
- Manual Removal.
- Floating Row Covers.
- Plant Purple & Red Varieties.
- Use Polyculture & Companion Planting.
- Beneficial Insects.
- Decoy Moths.
- Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt) Spray.
- Neem Oil Spray.
What to spray on plants with holes in leaves?
Broad-spectrum Sevin Insect Killer Concentrate or Sevin Insect Killer Ready to Spray kills aphids, squash bugs and other listed sucking pests. Then it protects for up to three months. Once sprays dry, people and pets can reenter treated areas. Rasping-sucking pests like thrips cover leaves with tiny feeding holes.
How do you get rid of cabbage moths naturally?
White cabbage moth sniff out the brassicas in your patch. Throw them off scent by planting aromatic plants such as rosemary, sage, dill, chamomile, mint, even onions! Dill is also known to attract parasitic wasps who’s favourite snack happens to be caterpillars, win win!
Can you eat cabbage with holes?
Fortunately, there’s good news! Greens with holes in them that were created by feeding insects or slugs should be fine to eat, if you cut away the damaged parts.
How do you protect cabbage plants?
Pick off worms by hand to protect your plants. Protect your cabbage with row covers to stop moths and butterflies from laying eggs on them. Plant insect-deterring companion plants (like garlic and peppermint) near your cabbage.
What is attacking my cabbage plants?
A Cabbage root fly (Delia radicum) is a common cabbage-family pest. Its cream-coloured larvae feed on cabbage roots and can destroy plants very quickly. It’s especially bad where many cabbage-family plants are grown – on allotments or near fields of oilseed rape, for example.
How do I keep bugs from eating my plants naturally?
Spread crushed eggshells beneath the targeted plants and creepy-crawlies will move along. Make A Stink: Many aromatic herbs, like yarrow, citronella, mint, fennel, catnip, basil, and lemongrass are natural deterrents for garden pests from aphids to potato beetles.
Will baking soda get rid of cabbage worms?
Baking soda on its own won’t kill cabbage worms, but if you dust your plants with equal parts baking soda and flour, it’s an effective method to kill cabbage worms. Mix one cup baking soda and one cup flour, liberally spread the mixture over your infected plants.
How do I get rid of worms eating my leaves?
For plants, a regular spray of a molasses solution (1 tablespoon molasses, 1 teaspoon dish soap, and a liter of warm water) or a garlic solution (three crushed cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon dish soap, and a liter of water) will deter insects from munching.
What kills cabbage moth?
The use of Bacillius thuringiensis (Bt), a non-toxic, biological insecticide, is effective and is specifically targeted towards worms/caterpillars. It’s also safe and can be used on most garden vegetables. Using Bt will not harm any beneficial insects, including natural enemies of these worms.
What do you spray cabbage with?
Spraying with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki) every 1 to 2 weeks will also help control cabbage family pests. Sevin also is effective. And, the few pests that remain on the vegetables can be washed out after harvest using water and a small amount of detergent or other surfactant.
Should I cut off leaves with holes?
You should remove leaves with holes if they are caused due to a disease. This will help prevent spread of the disease if it’s a fungal problem. You can also remove leaves with holes if you are growing the plant for aesthetic appeal. You should remove leaves with holes if the major portion of the leaf is damaged.
What insect makes round holes in leaves?
Slugs and Earwigs
Slugs are the most common cause of holes in leaves, but they often remain unseen because they feed at night. Sometimes larger slugs eat leaves from the edge inward, but small slugs make irregular holes inside leaves, as shown in the chard leaf on the right in the above photo.
How do you protect vegetables from cabbage moths?
There are three main ways of deterring moths from laying eggs on your brassicas: netting, companion planting, and decoys. Use fine netting to form a physical barrier, stopping the moths from reaching your plants. Ensure the nets fully enclose each plant, leaving enough of a gap to prevent all contact.
What does cabbage moth look like?
Cabbage white butterfly is white with distinct black spots on the wings and is around 40mm across. The cabbage moth is greyish and small and is around 10mm across. The moths and butterflies lay their eggs on the underside of leaves.
What home remedy kills caterpillars?
Oil Spray. Combine 2 tablespoons canola oil and 1 teaspoon liquid soap with 2 cups warm water. Funnel the solution into a spray bottle and spritz caterpillars liberally.
What animal is eating my cabbage?
Just like insect pests, there are many animal pests that love to eat cabbage. Chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, mice, rabbits, and deer are just some of the animals that will give you garden trouble.
What does a cabbage worm look like?
Cabbage worms are pudgy green eating machines. They’re about 2.5 cm long, velvety green and covered in tiny hairs. You’ll probably see the worms’ handiwork before you find the worms. Look for large, irregular holes across your leafy greens.