How to identify and get rid of cutworms

If insects could yell, “Timber!”, then cutworms would be heard all over lawns and golf courses. Cutworm moth caterpillars are known for chewing stems of grass near their base and causing severe damage to gardeners, grain farmers, and manicured lawns.

They are a tricky pest to control since they hide under the soil during the day and then do their chomping and chopping down plants at night.

Cutworms aren’t actually worms, but caterpillars of several species of moth. Many of these moths and caterpillars look very similar and are hard to tell apart. Overall the caterpillars have smooth bodies that can range in colors from gray and brown to green, black, or sometimes pink.

One of their defining characteristics is their habit of curling into a tight C shape when they are threatened or disturbed. Since they are nocturnal, or only active at night, you may not see these caterpillars hard at work, chewing up your grass.

The adults have a silvery gray or tan look to them, but other species can almost appear black. They will also have splotches or stripes on their wings, with the forewings being darker and more patterned than the hind wing underneath.

Here are some key characteristics of cutworms:

• Caterpillars are gray, green, brown or yellow
• Caterpillars curl into c shape when disturbed
• Adults are silvery gray to tan
• Adult moths are plain-looking with dark patterned front wings

How big are cutworms?

The caterpillars can grow up to 2 inches long and the adult moths have a 1-inch body with a 1 ½ inch wingspan.

What other pests look like a cutworms?

A lot of caterpillars that feed on grass can look similar to cutworms, especially armyworms, striped oakworms or sod webworms. However, cutworms are solitary insects, whereas armyworms will feed with large masses of other armyworms.

Cutworms are found all over the world and their habitat includes moist, grassy areas or cultivated fields. They also prefer shortly mowed grass, especially in golf greens.

The first line of defense to protecting your lawn or garden is knowing what you’re up against. That means you should be on the lookout for plants that have been cut near the ground. You can also watch for small droppings left by cutworms as they feed.

Additionally, to flush the cutworms out of the thatch, you can pour 1 gallon of soapy water over an area to check for any cutworms.

Once you have found evidence of cutworms, follow these treatment options:

• Dethatch your lawn
• Remove weeds
• Spray an insecticide barrier around the lawn

These options can help prevent cutworms from becoming a problem year after year. You can also use a pest barrier spray like the one Pestie offers. This pro-grade DIY solution can keep cutworms out of your yard all year long.