Cutworms can be a nuisance in the garden, destroying young vegetable and flower seedlings overnight. These crawling caterpillars chew through stems at or below the soil line, killing plants. One eco-friendly solution for controlling cutworms is creating barriers with toilet paper rolls. This straightforward technique prevents cutworms from reaching vulnerable seedlings.
What Are Cutworms?
Cutworms are the larvae stage of various moth species in the Noctuidae family. These crawling caterpillars can measure up to 2 inches long when fully grown. They are usually dull brown, gray, or black in color with a greasy or smooth appearance.
During the day, cutworms hide under debris, in soil cracks, or a few inches below the surface. At night they emerge to feed. Cutworms chew through stems of young transplants or seedlings at or just below soil level. If the plant is small enough, they may devour the entire plant.
Some of the most troublesome cutworm species include:
- Black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon)
- Variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia)
- Granulate cutworm (Feltia subterranea)
- Bronzed cutworm (Nephelodes minians)
Cutworm damage tends to be worst in spring and early summer when these larvae are actively feeding. But they can be a problem through fall.
Vegetable and flower starts are most vulnerable to cutworms within their first few weeks after transplanting. Common victims include tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, corn, beans, and many flowering annuals.
Life Cycle of Cutworms
Cutworms have a typical moth life cycle consisting of egg, larva, pupa, and adult moth stages. In spring, adult female moths emerge from overwintering sites and lay eggs on low-growing vegetation.
Each female can deposit several hundred eggs. The eggs hatch within about a week. The tiny larvae immediately begin to feed on plant material. As they grow over the next 4 to 6 weeks, they molt through 5 to 7 larval instars. When fully grown, the cutworms burrow into soil and construct earthen cells.
Inside this protected chamber, they pupate. After 1 to 2 weeks, adult moths emerge. These moths mate, females lay eggs, and the cycle repeats for 2 to 3 generations per year. As temperatures cool in fall, partially grown larvae burrow down to overwinter.
Signs of Cutworm Damage
Carefully inspect the base of damaged seedlings to determine if cutworms are the culprits. These signs indicate cutworm activity:
- Stems are chewed through at or below soil level.
- Seedlings are toppled over or missing from soil.
- Wilted, severed leaves or plant parts are still attached to roots.
- Small holes in leaves may indicate feeding.
- Cutworms found near plant bases or in soil cracks.
Check for cutworms near damaged plants during the day by gently digging around the base and through the top inch or two of soil. These pests are easiest to find while small. As cutworms grow larger, they tend to hide deeper.
Monitor for damage at night using a flashlight. Look for caterpillars climbing plant stems to feed. Check where previous damage occurred. Turn over debris and dig through soil where you find cut foliage.
Setting out corrugated cardboard “traps” near plants can also help reveal cutworm activity. Place these on soil during the day. After dark, lift them up to look for hiding cutworms.
How Toilet Paper Rolls Protect Seedlings
Toilet paper and paper towel tubes create effective physical barriers that prevent cutworms from reaching young plants. These cardboard cylinders are ideal because they:
- Are free, readily available, and biodegradable
- Slide easily over the plant stem above soil level
- Stand upright around stems without need for stakes or support
- Allow for air circulation and growth of the plant within
- Can be replaced as the plant grows larger
The smooth interior surface deters cutworms from climbing over the tube. As the plant grows, the tube is gently pushed upward. Eventually, the plant will be large enough that cutworm damage is no longer a significant concern.
Materials Needed
Collecting toilet paper tubes ahead of time allows you to have cutworm protectors ready to use as needed. To make cutworm guards you will need:
- Empty toilet paper rolls or paper towel tubes
- Scissors
Optionally, the tubes can be decorated by lightly coloring them with markers. Or coat the outside with glue and sprinkle sand for texture.
How to Apply Toilet Paper Roll Cutworm Guards
Follow these simple steps to protect vulnerable seedlings:
- Cut tubes to 2-3 inch lengths using scissors. Cut down one side of the cylinder to create an opening the entire length.
- Gently separate soil around the base of the transplant. Be careful not to disturb its roots.
- Slide the open tube over the seedling stem, pressing it just below the lowest leaves.
- Close the tube around the stem and make sure it stands upright.
- Refill any soil disturbance around the plant.
If the seedling is very small, you can insert the tube higher up the stem for better support. Cutworms will still be blocked from below.
Check plants daily to replace collapsed tubes or enlarge openings as stems grow. Tubes usually provide sufficient protection for 2 to 3 weeks until transplants are established.
For quick protection, toilet paper rolls can also surround sections of seed rows. Cut tubes longer, place them over the row end-to-end, and secure with soil.
When to Apply Cutworm Protectors
Depending on the extent of cutworm damage, you may choose to protect all transplants and seedlings, or just those most susceptible.
Focus efforts on high-risk plants such as:
- Young vegetable transplants
- Flower starts
- Beans, corn, and other direct-seeded crops
To maximize effectiveness, it’s ideal to add cutworm guards as a preventive measure as soon as plants are set out or seeds are sown. But they can also be added after some damage occurs.
Cutworms are most active in spring and early summer. But in areas with mild winters, they may feed into fall and winter. Monitor for cutworms year-round if they have been a past problem.
Combining Toilet Paper Guards With Other Tactics
While toilet paper rolls provide a physical barrier to protect plants, combining this tactic with others can improve control and reduce overall damage. Additional recommendations include:
Keep Garden Areas Clean
Cutworm moths prefer to lay eggs in areas with dense, low vegetation. Keep the garden free of weeds. Remove plant debris after harvest.
Time Plantings Carefully
Avoid setting out new transplants during peak cutworm activity. Plant as early as possible in spring or delay until summer for less damage.
Use Preventive Insecticidal Baits
Apply corn gluten meal or parasitic nematodes 2-3 weeks before planting to kill larvae before they damage crops. Reapply every 1-2 weeks.
Hand Pick Cutworms
Check for caterpillars daily, especially evening. Remove any found near vulnerable seedlings. Drop in soapy water to kill.
Encourage Natural Predators
Ground beetles, spiders, birds, and other beneficial insects help control cutworms. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that harm these predators.
Apply Protective Insecticidal Sprays
If cutworms persist, use biological insecticides derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or insecticidal soap sprays around seedlings.
Questions and Answers About Toilet Paper Roll Cutworm Guards
How does this toilet paper method work to stop cutworms?
The toilet paper rolls act as physical barriers that prevent cutworms from climbing up and chewing through the stems of young seedlings. The smooth interior surface deters them from crawling over the tube.
Should the tubes touch the ground?
It’s best to press the toilet paper rolls slightly into the soil so they fully encircle and stand upright around the seedling stem. This prevents any gaps for cutworms to squeeze through.
Do you put one tube on each plant?
Yes, you’ll need to apply one toilet paper roll guard around the base of every seedling you want to protect from cutworm damage.
What length should I cut the toilet paper rolls?
For most young vegetable and flower transplants, cut the tubes to 2-3 inches long. Make sure they are tall enough to extend somewhat above the soil surface.
Can I reuse toilet paper rolls?
It’s best to use new, clean toilet paper rolls for each seedling to ensure proper protection. As plants grow, the tubes will need to be replaced anyway.
How do you put the tubes on seed rows?
For rows, cut longer tubes and place them end-to-end over the seeded row. Make sure they fully encircle the stems and are secured upright with soil.
Will toilet paper rolls decompose naturally?
Yes, the cardboard tubes will gradually break down over time without leaving residue. Avoid glossy printed tubes if concerned about chemicals leaching into soil.
How long do the guards need to stay on?
Leave cutworm protectors on plants for 2-3 weeks until they are better established. After that point, remove tubes as needed to prevent restricting growth.
Conclusion
Encircling vulnerable seedlings with toilet paper or paper towel rolls is an easy, eco-friendly solution for protecting plants from cutworm damage. The tubes serve as effective barriers that prevent cutworms from destroying young transplants and seedlings.
This approach combines nicely with other organic methods like maintaining clean garden areas, handpicking caterpillars, and applying parasitic nematodes or Bacillus thuringiensis. Used preventively, toilet paper guards can help reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
With this simple technique, gardeners can enjoy watching their seedlings successfully grow past the susceptible stage knowing they are protected from hungry cutworms trying to chew through tender young stems under the cover of darkness.