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Pest Damage #870114

Asked May 25, 2024, 11:08 PM EDT

Something has been eating my pepper plants terribly. My lettuces, greens, and brassicas are largely untouched. My tomatoes seem to be fine as well so far. But my peppers are absolutely devastated. I've already lost several plants. I've been trying to find the culprit and finally found a couple of these guys when I went out late at night. I was looking at the "What insect is this?' page on the Extension website and I think it matches the description for cutworms. I've never dealt with them before. The solutions presented on the site were not inspiring. Do I have any recourse or should I prepare myself for having no peppers this season?

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

A search on cutworm treatment revealed articles from many midwest universities and they all have similiar recommendations about the same as you have mentioned. The following mentions the use of BT (bacillus thuringiensis) for black cutworms. Your culprit is a bronze cutworm according to my insect app. BT may be helpful. 
https://extension.umn.edu/corn-pest-management/black-cutworm-corn
This web page lists insecticides, but be sure to follow label directions and timing of application and waiting periods before harvesting. https://mwveguide.org/results/pest/3279/crops/582

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