How to Get Rid of Cabbage Worms

How to Get Rid of Cabbage Worms

Learn how to keep pesky cabbage worms from destroying your garden’s cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower.

What Are Cabbage Worms?

Cabbage worms are the larvae of the common cabbage butterfly, which is a white butterfly found in many areas of the world. The larvae are small, green caterpillars that feed on the leaves of cabbage and related plants, such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts. They can be controlled by hand-picking or by spraying with insecticidal soap or an organic pesticide.

Identifying Cabbage Worms

Cabbage worms, or Pieris rapae, are a species of butterfly larvae. They are typically pale green in color with yellow stripes and have a black head. They can reach up to 1 inch in length. They are often found feeding on the leaves of cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and kale. Adult cabbage butterflies are usually white with black wingtips.

Life Stages

Cabbage worms go through four stages of life: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The eggs are laid on the leaves of the cabbage plant, and the larvae that hatch feed on the plant until they mature into pupae. The pupae then spin cocoons and eventually emerge as adult moths. The adult moths then lay eggs, completing the cycle.

The eggs of cabbage worms (also known as cabbage loopers or imported cabbageworms) are the first life stage. The eggs are small and yellowish in color, and are laid on the undersides of the leaves of their host plants.
The larva stage is the second stage in a cabbage worm’s life cycle, and during this stage, the cabbage worm is a small, green, and worm-like creature. It has a yellow-green head and several white stripes running down its body. The larva will feed on the leaves of the cabbage plant for about two to three weeks before it pupates.
The pupa is the third stage of the cabbage worm’s life cycle. During the pupal stage, the larvae encases itself in a silky cocoon and remains motionless for several days. During this time, the larvae undergoes metamorphosis, during which its body changes into the adult form. After several days, the adult moth or butterfly emerges from the cocoon.
The adult life stage of cabbage worms is the adult moth. The adult moths are about 1-2 cm in length with grayish brown wings. The moths lay their eggs on the undersides of cabbage and other cole crop leaves. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will start to feed on the leaves of the cabbage plants, causing damage. After the larvae has finished feeding, they will form a cocoon and pupate before emerging as an adult moth.

It is also important to note that maggots can be a sign of an unhealthy living environment. If you see maggots in your home, it’s a good idea to take steps to eliminate them and their source. This may include getting rid of any sources of food scraps or garbage, ensuring there is no standing water or moisture in the house, and regularly cleaning and disinfecting.

Plant Damage

Cabbage worms can cause significant damage to the leaves and heads of cabbage and other related crops. They feed on the undersides of the leaves, leaving behind small holes and patches of chewed material. In severe cases, the entire plant can be destroyed. Heavy infestations can also lead to a decrease in yield.

How to Get Rid of Cabbage Worms

1. Use row covers: Row covers are lightweight, porous fabrics that allow sun and water to reach plants while blocking pests. Secure the row cover over the cabbage plants to prevent cabbage worms from reaching the plants.

2. Handpick the worms: Cabbage worms can be removed by hand. Look for the bright green worms on the underside of the leaves and remove them.

3. Use insecticidal soaps: Insecticidal soaps are effective against cabbage worms and can be used to kill the pests on contact. Follow the instructions on the product label.

4. Introduce beneficial insects: Lacewings, ladybugs, and praying mantises are all beneficial insects that feed on cabbage worms. Introduce these insects to your garden to help control the pest population.

5. Plant mustard greens: Planting mustard greens near cabbage can help repel cabbage worms. The mustard greens’ pungent smell deters the worms from feeding on the cabbage plants.

TAGS: how to | pests

How to Get Rid of Cabbage Worms