Cal flower worms

[elliecat]

friend in Cal said he is infested in the flowers with little worms...he can pick them off but there are so many. He and buddy are going out at night with black light which is supposed to show them. I searched pests forum but only saw leaf and root pests decribed. Help! (He's a pro, and not usually at a loss.)

 

[Irish]

friend in Cal said he is infested in the flowers with little worms...he can pick them off but there are so many. He and buddy are going out at night with black light which is supposed to show them. I searched pests forum but only saw leaf and root pests decribed. Help! (He's a pro, and not usually at a loss.)

Those are most likely tobacco bud worms. Google them and see. They can be very destructive.

Best time to pick them off is first thing in the morning. They come out of the buds to sun for a bit before going back and eating more once they're warmed up.

You'll have to spray for them if there are too many to be simply picking them off every day. Try "Caterpillar Killer" by Safer. It contains a bacteria that will kill them after they ingest it.

Irish

 

[elliecat]

Irish, I will google it as well as pass on your advice. elliecat