How to identify and get rid of budworms

If you’ve ever noticed holes in your flower buds or petals that look like they’ve been roughed up too much, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with budworms. These tiny caterpillars might not seem like much, but they can wreak havoc on your garden by boring into the buds of your favorite flowers.

Budworms start off as tiny eggs laid by moths on your plants, then hatch into hungry caterpillars that feed on flower buds. By the time you notice the damage, they’ve often already made themselves at home. Keeping an eye on your plants and taking early action can help keep your garden looking its best.

There are a lot of different species of budworms out there, and they all come in a variety of colors. They are usually green or brown, which can be hard to spot because they blend in so well with the plants they feed on.

You’ll often notice the damage they cause before you see the caterpillars themselves. Look for holes or chewed edges on flower buds, especially on roses, geraniums, and petunias. If you notice buds that fail to bloom or appear damaged, check them closely for tiny caterpillars with a faint stripe running down their back—these are likely budworms. Sometimes they could be confused for a cankerworm or a leafroller which have some similiarities.

How big are budworms?

Budworms typically grow to about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long.

They are found throughout the United States, particularly in gardens and landscapes where flowering plants are common. You’ll most often find budworms in flower beds, targeting plants like roses, petunias, and geraniums. They don’t typically enter homes but can be a nuisance in gardens.

Budworms can make a mess of any flower garden, but keeping them out of your flower beds doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few options to protecting your blooms this year:

• Handpick them: Inspect your plants regularly and remove any budworms you find by hand.
• Encourage natural predators: Birds, predatory insects, and parasitic wasps can help control budworm populations naturally.
• Prune damaged buds: Regularly prune and remove any damaged flower buds to prevent the spread of budworms.
• Use barriers: Place fine mesh or floating row covers over plants during the peak egg-laying period to keep adult moths from reaching the buds.

One of the best ways to prevent budworms from coming into your home is by spraying and maintaining a bug-barrier. Get the best pest protection for your home delivered right to your door with the Pestie Smart Pest Plan.