This is most effective when the larvae are small. A bad infestation can be treated by applying BT (Bacillus thuringiensis). If they are detected and removed early on, the plant will recover just fine.īecause the hornworm is so large, the easiest and most effective way to get rid of it is to pick it off of plants as soon as you detect it and either squish it or toss it into a bowl of soapy water. They have hearty appetites, and can defoliate a plant in a matter of days. Undetected, a tomato hornworm can do a fair amount of damage to its host plant. You can also look for their black frass (droppings) on the foliage and around the base of the plant.

Most likely, you’ll notice the damage before you notice the hornworms, because their color helps them blend in so well with the plant foliage.

While they are most commonly associated with tomatoes, hornworms are also common pests of eggplants, peppers, and potatoes. Tomato hornworms are voracious, munching entire leaves, small stems, and even parts of immature fruit. Tobacco hornworms have diagonal white stripes and a red “horn.” A black “horn” projects from the rear of the caterpillar. The tomato hornworm is three to four inches long at full size (likely to be the biggest caterpillar we see in our gardens) and green in color with white v-shaped marks along its sides.

They are very similar in appearance and both attack members of the Solanaceae family. However, the tomato hornworm and tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta, are often confused with each other. 'Tomato Hornworm, Manduca quinquemaculata.

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