Red Insects on Tomato Plants: Identification and Control

Tomato Fruitworm and Tobacco Budworm

Tomato fruitworm (also known as corn earworm), Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), Noctuidae, LEPIDOPTERA Tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (Fabricius), Noctuidae, LEPIDOPTERA

Adult—The tomato fruitworm moth is usually light yellowish-olive with a single dark spot near the center of each forewing. It has a wingspan of 1 to 1 1/2 inches (Figure 25A–B and Figure 25C). The eyes are usually light green. Tobacco budworm moths are light olive to brownish olive with a wingspan of 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches (Figure 25F). Each forewing bears three slanted dark-olive or brown bands. Hind wings are white with white borders.

Egg—Eggs of both species are similar in appearance. They are almost spherical with a flattened base, about 1/32 inch in diameter, and white or cream colored. They develop a reddish-brown band just prior to hatching.

Larva—The tomato fruitworm (Figure 25D–E) and tobacco budworm (Figure 25G) are similar in appearance. Newly emerged larvae are yellowish white with a brown head. Color varies from greenish yellow and reddish brown to black, with paler stripes running lengthwise on the body. The skin of the tobacco hornworm has microscopic spines that are longer and closer to the setae than those of the tomato fruitworm.

Pupa—Pupae of both species are typical for this family of “owlet” moths (Figure 25D–E and Figure 25H). Shiny and reddish brown at first, they become dark brown before the adult emerges.

Distribution—Tomato fruitworm occurs throughout the Western Hemisphere, extending as far north as Canada and as far south as Argentina. The tobacco budworm has a similar distribution but is more abundant in warmer regions, whereas the tomato fruitworm is more abundant in cooler regions. In North Carolina, fruitworms occur throughout the state but are generally more severe in the southern coastal plain.

Host Plants—The tomato fruitworm feeds on at least 16 cultivated plants, with corn the most important host. The tobacco budworm does not infest corn. Both species are common on cotton and soybeans. Tomato, cotton, soybean, and tobacco are the only cultivated crop hosts of the tobacco budworm in North Carolina. Wild hosts include deergrass and toadflax.

Damage—Fruitworms, primarily the tomato fruitworm, feed on tomato leaves and fruit (Figure 25I and Figure 25J). Distorted leaves often result from the worms feeding on the tips of the leaves in the developing bud. Both the tomato fruitworm and tobacco budworm may also bore into stalks or midribs.

As tomato plants flower and produce fruit, tomato fruitworm larvae move to these plant parts. Entrance holes of small larvae in fruit may be barely detectable. As infested tomatoes increase in size, small, stringlike scars may become apparent where the tiny larvae entered. Large tomato fruitworms may move from fruit to fruit as they feed, leaving large, gaping holes on the surface.

Life History—Fruitworms overwinter as pupae in the soil. Tomato fruitworm adults emerge from early May to early June. Females generally emerge earlier than males. Tobacco budworm adults emerge from late April to mid-May. They deposit eggs on the leaves or buds of tomato plants. After hatching, larvae may first feed on leaves and then move to buds or fruit. Tomato fruitworm larvae have five to six instars, with the development period varying from 21 to 25 days. Tobacco budworm development is similar. Pupation occurs in the soil. Tomato fruitworm pupae enter diapause (dormancy) in August in North Carolina, and tobacco budworms begin diapause in September. Both species have four generations per year in North Carolina.

The wasp parasite Campoletis sonorensis kills small tobacco budworms; another wasp parasite, Cardiochiles nigriceps, kills budworms in the prepupal stage. Predators include several paper wasps in the Polistes genus. Several diseases, including the microsporidian Nosema heliothidis Lutz and Splendor, also reduce budworm populations.

Tomato fruitworm damage is minimal when the fruits are harvested before July 20. The first chemical treatment should be applied when tomatoes in the first cluster are about 1/2 inch in diameter. Apply follow-up treatments every seven to ten days as necessary. In the coastal plain, a five- to seven-day schedule is needed after July 20. For specific chemical control recommendations, consult the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual.

Cultivating vegetable fields after harvest kills numerous pupae in the soil and exposes many to birds and other predators.

Illustrations by USDA (A) and J.R. Baker, NC State (B).

Illustrations by USDA (A) and J.R. Baker, NC State (B).

Photo by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Photo by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Photo by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Photo by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustrations by Susan Van Gieson (D) and J.R. Baker, NC State (E).

Illustrations by Susan Van Gieson (D) and J.R. Baker, NC State (E).

Illustration by L.L. Deitz, NC State.

Illustration by L.L. Deitz, NC State.

Photo by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Photo by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Tomato pinworm, Keiferia lycopersicella (Walsingham), Gelechiidae, LEPIDOPTERA

Adult—This small gray moth has a reddish-brown mottled head and thorax. Its body is about 1/4 inch long, and its wingspan is 3/8 to 1/2 inch (Figure 26A).

Egg—The tiny, oval egg is light yellow when newly deposited but turns pale orange before hatching (Figure 26B).

Larva—Tiny, newly hatched larvae are yellowish gray. The mature fourth instar may be yellow, green, or ash-gray and is covered with dark-purple spots; it is about 1/4 inch long (Figure 26C).

Pupa—A little over 1/4 inch long, the pupa gradually changes from green to brown (Figure 26D). It is found in the soil enclosed in a pupal cell made of loosely woven silk and covered with soil particles.

Distribution—This pest lives year-round in the warm agricultural areas of Mexico, California, Florida, and Texas. Farther north, pinworms are primarily a greenhouse pest, although they may infest tomatoes growing near infested greenhouses.

Host Plants—The tomato pinworm feeds only on solanaceous plants. Besides tomato, it is common in potato and eggplant. The weeds nightshade and horsenettle are also subject to attack.

Damage—Pinworms cause blotch-like leaf mines, folded and tied leaves, pinholes in stems and fruit, and blotches on fruit. First- and second-instar larvae mine leaves in a manner similar to that of serpentine and vegetable leafminers; these mines, however, are widened gradually into one large blotch (Figure 26E–F and Figure 27).

Upon emerging from leaf mines, third-instar larvae fold and web leaves for protection and feed inside these shelters. Some of the larvae bore into stems, buds, and fruit, leaving small pinholes on the surface. Larvae usually enter the fruit near calyx lobes or the stem. Larvae rarely penetrate deeper than 3/4 inch and usually feed just below the skin. In addition to pinholes, injured tomato fruits have discolored blotches. Damage to leaves and vines is of little importance, but injury to the fruit can cause a substantial loss.

Life History—In Mexico, California, Florida, and Texas, tomato pinworms overwinter outdoors as pupae at or near the soil surface. In North Carolina and most other states, pinworms spend winter in greenhouses. The nocturnal moths may emerge as early as March or April. Eggs are usually deposited on the undersides of leaves and hatch about one week later. During summer, larvae mine the leaves for about six days and then fold leaves or bore into fruit for another six days. Mature fourth-instar larvae either remain in folded leaves or drop to the soil to pupate. About 12 days later, a new generation of moths emerges.

In summer, a generation can be completed every 26 to 34 days. In cooler weather, the life cycle is longer. Seven to eight overlapping generations occur each year in Florida. It is probable that just as many generations occur in North Carolina greenhouses. If moths escape outdoors, several generations may occur in field tomatoes during summer.

Sanitation and prevention are good control measures for tomato pinworms. Infestations usually result from transplants that are shipped in or grown in local greenhouses. Therefore, close inspection of new plants can prevent serious problems later in the season. For recommended insecticides and rates, consult the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual.

Illustration traced from drawings by C.A. Thomas, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Illustration traced from drawings by C.A. Thomas, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Illustration traced from drawings by C.A. Thomas, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Illustration traced from drawings by C.A. Thomas, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Illustration traced from drawings by C.A. Thomas, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Illustration traced from drawings by C.A. Thomas, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Illustration traced from drawings by C.A. Thomas, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Illustration traced from drawings by C.A. Thomas, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Illustrations traced from drawings by C.A. Thomas, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Illustrations traced from drawings by C.A. Thomas, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Photos by Home and Garden Information Center, University of Maryland Extension (top), and James Hayden, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org (bottom).

Photos by Home and Garden Information Center, University of Maryland Extension (top), and James Hayden, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org (bottom).

Liriomyza sativae Blanchard, Agromyzidae, DIPTERA

Adult—This shiny, black fly has variable yellow markings and is almost 1/16 inch long (Figure 28A).

Egg—The extremely small, white, oval egg is sometimes visible through the upper epidermis of the leaf via a magnifying glass (Figure 28B).

Larva—The newly hatched larva is nearly colorless and very small (but visible with a magnifying glass). The fully grown maggot, about 1/8 inch long, has a translucent, bright-yellow body and black mouthparts. Each maggot has a slightly pointed head and a rounded abdomen (Figure 28C).

Puparium—The flattened, segmented puparium is bright yellow at first but gradually turns brown. It is oblong-oval in shape and a little more than 1/16 inch long (Figure 28D).

Distribution—The vegetable leafminer is found from the tropics into the southeastern and southwestern United States. It occurs at least as far north as Tennessee and Ohio. Because this leafminer has long been confused with closely related species, the precise extent of its distribution is not known.

Host Plants—Closely related to the serpentine leafminer that feeds almost exclusively on crucifers, the vegetable leafminer infests a wide variety of plants. In addition to tomato, weed and cultivated crop hosts include squash, okra, pea, bean, cabbage, turnip, potato, tobacco, cotton, radish, spinach, watermelon, beet, pepper, alfalfa, clover, vetch, and plantain.

Damage—Like serpentine leafminers, vegetable leafminers create light-colored, irregularly winding mines in leaves. The mines are generally S-shaped and may be enlarged at one end (Figure 28E). Infested leaves are favorable habitats for bacterial and fungal plant pathogens. Also, because heavily mined leaves may have much of their mesophyll (internal tissue) removed, photosynthetic efficiency is greatly reduced (Figure 29).

Severe infestations may cause the foliage to turn brown and appear burned. Damaging infestations are most likely to occur after crops have been treated weekly with insecticides such as methomyl or carbaryl. These pesticides kill parasitic wasps that usually keep the leafminer populations at acceptable levels.

Life History—Vegetable leafminers feed and breed year-round in the southern areas of Florida and Texas. In North Carolina, they overwinter in soil as pupae. Generally, adult flies that emerge in April or May live only four to ten days. After mating, females insert eggs into leaf tissue from the underside of the leaf. Eggs hatch three to eight days later, and young larvae begin feeding, each one creating its own mine. Although the leaf-mining stage may last up to twelve days, it is usually completed in four to five days during summer. Larvae pupate for about 10 days (longer in spring and fall) at the enlarged ends of the mines or in soil. A new generation is produced about every 23 days. At least five generations occur each year in southern states. The number is higher in the tropics and in greenhouses.

On a small scale, it is practical to remove infested tomato leaves to help keep leafminer populations in check. Economically significant leafminer damage rarely occurs on tomatoes. For large-scale producers, insecticides remain the most reliable method of controlling infestations. For recommended insecticides and rates, consult the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Photo by Texas A&M Extension.

Photo by Texas A&M Extension.

Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), Thripidae, THYSANOPTERA

Adult—The western flower thrips (Figure 30A) is almost 1/16 inch long, with the female larger than the male. The female varies from yellow to dark-brown and has a plump abdomen. The male is always pale yellow and has a narrower abdomen.

Egg—Yellowish eggs cannot be seen easily because they are inserted into the plant tissue (Figure 30B).

Larva—The larvae develop through two instars and are distinctly yellow. First instars (Figure 30C) are noticeably smaller than second instars. Second instars (Figure 30D) are about the same size as adult females, and they become whitish before molting.

Prepupa and Pupa—Both prepupa (Figure 30E) and pupa (Figure 30F) are quiescent, nonfeeding stages. They are yellowish. Antennae of prepupae protrude forward, whereas antennae of pupae are folded back over the head. Prepupae have noticeable wing pads on the thorax. Wing pads of pupae extend back along the abdomen.

Distribution—Before 1980, the distribution was thought to be limited to west of the Mississippi River. However, the western flower thrips has become the most prevalent thrips species attacking greenhouse plants throughout the United States and Canada in addition to many countries in Europe and Asia.

Host Plants—This thrips feeds on almost any flowering plant. Besides tomato, major host plants include carnation, chrysanthemum, gerbera, geranium, marigold, pansy, pepper, and rose.

Damage—The western flower thrips feeds on flowers and foliage by inserting its modified left mandible into the tissue, injecting saliva, and sucking the fluids from cells. When thrips feed on developing tissues, affected cells are unable to expand, and maturing leaves and petals become distorted. When thrips feed on expanded tissue, affected cells fill with air, which imparts a silvery appearance. This thrips also is an important vector of tomato spotted wilt virus (Figure 31) and impatiens necrotic spot virus.

Life History—Females lay eggs in tender plant tissue. The eggs hatch in two to fourteen days, depending on temperature. First-instar larvae begin feeding as soon as they hatch. Second-instar larvae also feed on plant tissue, usually in flowers. These larvae are found protected in the perianth of the flower or within developing terminal foliage. Late in the second-instar stage, larvae stop feeding and move down the plant to pupate. Thrips develop through two quiescent, nonfeeding pupal stages in the soil, plant litter, or a protected area on the plant. Adults emerge and resume feeding on flowers, buds, and terminal foliage. The entire life cycle from oviposition to adult emergence can be completed in as little as 12 days in hot weather to as long as 44 days in cool weather.

Thrips are difficult to manage with pesticides because they feed deep in the flowers and buds, where they are sheltered from chemicals. Chemical management of western flower thrips has received much attention by researchers, but control remains difficult. Natural enemies have been investigated, and biological control programs using insidious plant bugs and predaceous mites in the genus Amblyseius have been used in greenhouses. Screening has been shown to effectively exclude western flower thrips. For insecticide recommendations, consult the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Illustration by J.R. Baker, NC State.

Photo by Emma C. Lookabaugh.

Photo by Emma C. Lookabaugh.

General

Beasley, E. O., et al. Growing Trellised Tomatoes in Western North Carolina. Publication AG-60. North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service, 1977.

Linn, M. B., and J. M. Wright. Tomato Diseases and Insect Pests: Identification and Control. Illinois Agricultural Extension Service, 1951.

Michelbacker, A. E., W. W. Middlekauff, and N. B. Akesson. Caterpillars Destructive to Tomato. Bulletin 707. California Agricultural Experiment Station, 1948.

Busching, M. K., and F. T. Turpin. “Oviposition Preferences of Black Cutworm Moths Among Various Crop Plants, Weeds, and Plant Debris.” Journal of Economic Entomology 69 (1976): 587–90.

Cline, L. D., and D. H. Habeck. “Reproductive Biology of the Granulate Cutworm.” Journal of the Georgia Entomological Society 12 (1977): 34–41.

Harris, C. R., J. H. Mazurek, and G. V. White. “The Life History of the Black Cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel), Under Controlled Conditions.” The Canadian Entomologist 94 (1962): 1183–87.

Jones, T. H. “The Granulated Cutworm, An Important Enemy of Vegetable Crops in Louisiana.” USDA Bulletin 703 (1918): 7–14.

Rings, R. W., F. J. Arnold, A. J. Keaster, and G. J. Musick. A Worldwide, Annotated Bibliography of the Black Cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel). Research Circular 198. Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1974.

Rings, R. W., B. A. Johnson, and F. J. Arnold. A Worldwide, Annotated Bibliography of the Variegated Cutworm, Peridroma saucia Hübner. Research Circular 219. Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1976.

Snow, J. W., and P. S. Callahan. Biological and Morphological Studies of the Granulate Cutworm, Feltia subterranea (F.), in Georgia and Louisiana. Bulletin 42. Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1968.

Wadley, E. M. “Life History of the Variegated Cutworm.” Journal of Economic Entomology 14 (1921): 272–77.

Antonelli, A., R. Akre, and A. Retan. Whiteflies: Their Biology and Control. EM 3980. Washington State University, College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, 1979.

Burnett, T. “Aspects of the Interaction Between a Chalcid Parasite and its Aleurodid Host.” Canadian Journal of Zoology 45 (1967): 539–78.

Curry, J. P., and D. Pimentel. “Evaluation of Tomato Varieties for Resistance to Greenhouse Whitefly.” Journal of Economic Entomology 64 (1971a): 1333–34.

Gentile, A. G., R. E. Webb, and A. K. Stoner. “Resistance in Lycopersicon and Solanum to Greenhouse Whiteflies.” Journal of Economic Entomology 61 (1968): 1355–57.

Gerling, D. “Biological Studies on Encarsia formosa (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae).” Annals of the Entomological Society of America 59 (1966): 142–43.

McClanahan, R. J. Integrated Control of the Greenhouse Whitefly. Canada Department of Agriculture, Information Canada, Ottawa, 1972.

Morrill, A. W. The Greenhouse Whitefly. Circular 57. USDA Bureau of Entomology, 1905.

Russell, L. M. The North American Species of Whiteflies of the Genus Trialeurodes. Miscellaneous Publication 635. U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1948.

Ascerno. M. E. “Knowledge of Which Whitefly Life Stages Are Present at the Time of Treatment Will Help in Making the Best Control Decisions.” GrowerTalks (December 1989): 89.

Bellows, T. S., Jr., T. M. Perring, R. J. Gill, and D. H. Headrick. “Description of a Species of Bemisia (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America 87, no. 2 (1994): 195–206.

Prabhaker, N., N. C. Toscano, and D. L. Cooudriet. “Susceptibility of the Immature and Adult Stages of the Sweetpotato Whitefly (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) to Selected Insecticides.” Journal of Economic Entomology 82 (1989): 983–88.

Price, J. D., J. Schuster, and J. B. Kring. “A Comprehensive View of the Sweetpotato Whitefly and Its Management in Ornamental Plants.” In Proceedings of the 5th Conference on Insect and Disease Management on Ornamentals, 19–23, Feb. 26–28, 1989, Orlando, FL.

Gerling. D., ed. “Natural Enemies of Whiteflies: Predators and Parasitoids.” In Whiteflies: Their Bionomics. Pest Status and Management, 147–85. Newcastle upon Tyne, England: Athenaeum Press, 1990.

Canerday, T. D. Tomato Fruitworm Control. Leaflet 74. Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, 1967.

Marcovitch. S., and W. W. Stanley. The Tomato Fruitworm in Tennessee. Bulletin 174. Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station, 1941.

Wilcox, J., A. F. Hawland, and R. E. Campbell. Investigations of the Tomato Fruitworm, Its Seasonal History, and Methods of Control. Technical Bulletin 1147. USDA, 1956.

Wilcox, J., and A. F. Howland. The Tomato Fruitworm: How to Control It. Leaflet 367. USDA, 1972.

Garman, H., and H. H. Jewett. The Broods of the Tobacco Worms. Bulletin 225. Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Kentucky, 1920.

Gilmore, J. U. “Observations on the Hornworms Attacking Tobacco in Tennessee and Kentucky.” Journal of Economic Entomology 31 (1938): 706–12.

Batiste, W. C., and W. H. Olson. “Laboratory Evaluations of Some Solanaceous Plants as Possible Hosts for Tomato Pinworm.” Journal of Economic Entomology 66 (1973): 109–11.

Elmore, J. C. The Tomato Pinworm. Circular 440. USDA, 1937.

Elmore, J. C., and A. F. Howland. Life History and Control of the Tomato Pinworm. Technical Bulletin 841. USDA, 1943.

Musgrave, C. A., S. L. Poe, and H. V. Weems, Jr. The Vegetable Leafminer, Liriomyza sativa Blanchard (DIPTERA: Agromyzidae), in Florida. Entomology Circular 162. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, 1975.

Spencer, K. A. “Agromyzidae (Diptera) of Economic Importance.” Series Entomologica 9 (1973).

Spencer, K. A., and C. E. Stegmaier, Jr. Agromyzidae of Florida with a Supplement on Species from the Caribbean. Gainesville, FL: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, 1973.

Stegmaier, Jr., C. E. “Host Plants and Parasites of Liriomyza munda in Florida (DIPTERA: Agromyzidae).” Florida Entomologist 49 (1966): 81–86.

Stegmaier, Jr., C. E. “A Review of Recent Literature on the Host Plant Range of the Genus Liriomyza Mik. (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in the Continental United States and Hawaii, Excluding Alaska.” Florida Entomologist 51 (1968): 167–82.

Steyskal, G. C. “The Strange Fate of the ‘Serpentine Leafminer’ (Liriomyza spp., Agromyzidae, DIPTERA).” USDA Cooperative Economic Insect Report 23, no. 43 (1973): 735–36.

Webster, R. M., and T. H. Parks. “The Serpentine Leaf-miner.” Journal of Agricultural Research 1 (1913): 59–88.

Wolfenbarger, D. O., and D. A. Wolfenbarger. “Tomato Yields and Leafminer Infestations and a Sequential Sampling Plan for Determining Need for Control Treatments.” Journal of Economic Entomology 59 (1966): 279–83.

Bryan, D. E., and R. F. Smith. “Frankliniella occidentalis Complex in California.” The University of California Publications in Entomology 10, no. 6 (1956): 359–410.

Higgins, C. J., and J. H. Myers. “Sex Ration Patterns and Population Dynamics of Western Flower Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae).” Environmental Entomology 21, no. 2 (1992): 322–30.

Robb, K. L. “Analysis of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) as a Pest of Floricultural Crops in California Greenhouses.” Ph.D. Dissertation, University of California, Riverside, 1989.

Ullman, D. E., et al. “Internal Morphology of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) with Special Reference to Thrips Interactions Between Thrips and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus.” International Journal of Insect Morphology and Embryology 18, nos. 5–6 (1989): 289–310.

Find more information at the following NC State Extension websites:

Super Simple Spider Mite Control and Prevention

FAQ

How to get rid of red bugs on tomato plants?

Spraying with insecticidal soap, Neem oil, or pyrethrin spray.

How do I get rid of red ants on my tomato plants?

Spray the ants on your plant with a stream (not mist) of very weak solution of soap/water to knock them off. If you can move your soil filled pot they could be nesting under plant pot. You could put pot on top of a pan of water and rock. Rocks bricks would keep the tomato bottom roots from drowning.

Are red aphids harmful?

Although an individual aphid is very small, collectively, aphids can cause considerable damage. They are parasites that suck the sap from plants, causing wilt and weakening the plant so it becomes less resistant to other pests that can kill it.

How to get rid of hornworms on tomato plants?

• Hand-picking:

  Regularly inspect your tomato plants, especially during the summer months, and remove any hornworms you find. 

• Soapy Water:

  After removing hornworms, drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them. 

Why are there red bugs on my Tomatoes?

Those little red insects on your tomatoes are probably aphids or spider mites. These sap-sucking pests parasitize the plants, feeding on their plant food. Treating the plants with natural pesticides and releasing predator insects can help tackle the problem. How can you tell if your tomato plants are infested with bugs?

How do you know if a tomato plant has red bugs?

Red bugs spin webs to protect themselves and their eggs from predators. Another sign of an infestation is yellow or brown spots on the leaves of the tomato plant. This is caused by the red bugs feeding on the sap of the plant. Methods for controlling red bugs on tomato plants There are several methods for controlling red bugs on tomato plants.

Do red tomatoes have pests?

As a tomato grower, you put in long hours nursing your plants along, only to walk outside and find swarms of small red insects crawling over your prized tomatoes While these intruders can certainly be alarming, try not to panic Learning to properly identify and control common red tomato pests is the key to protecting your crop.

What are the common tomato-infesting bugs?

Read on to learn about the common tomato-infesting bugs and how you can eradicate them from your garden. The two tomato-infecting red bugs that can be spotted on your plant are the red leaf-foot bug nymphs and the red spider mites.

Do red bugs eat tomato plants?

There are several types of red bugs that like to feed on tomato plants. Knowing the differences between them will help you identify them and treat them appropriately. Use a flashlight and a magnifying glass and take a good look at your tomato plants. Then see if you recognize the following insects.