Cutworms
Agrotis spp.
Cutworms are the unseen menace that strike at dusk or overnight, severing seedlings at their base like tiny, stealthy saboteurs. These larvae of night-flying moths live just beneath the soil surface, coiling around the tender stems of young plants and slicing them off as they feed. Most active in spring and early summer, cutworms target a wide variety of vegetables including tomatoes, cabbages, peppers and lettuce. Their damage appears suddenly, often with several young plants destroyed in a single night.
Controlling cutworms once they’ve started feeding underground is a frustrating task. They are hard to detect and difficult to reach with surface sprays. By the time symptoms appear, the damage is usually severe and irreversible. Prevention, by contrast, provides a far more cost-effective and efficient solution. Monitoring for adult moths allows gardeners to interrupt the reproductive cycle before eggs are laid. Soil treatments and physical barriers can reduce larvae survival and protect emerging seedlings.
Cultural practices such as clearing weeds before planting, and using collars around seedling stems can significantly limit the risk of cutworm infestation. Early detection using pheromone traps is key. However, running the traps for the entire year, Last Frost to First Frost is the very best long-term startegy.
Begin your program in late winter or early spring for maximum effectiveness.
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Traps/Monitoring
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Cutworm, Tomato Bollworm and Tomato Semi-Looper Pheromone Lure: Targets adult moths. Use in late winter through early summer to intercept and monitor moth populations.
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Funnel Trap (Trap Only): Compatible with pheromone lures. Captures night-flying adult moths to reduce breeding.
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Delta Trap (Trap Only): Ideal for sticky liner use and monitoring moth flight periods.
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Cutworm, Tomato Bollworm and Tomato Semi Looper : Trap System
Yellow Funnel Trap + Pheromone lure Another outstanding cost effective long-term pheromone based ..
R330.77
Cutworm, Tomato Bollworm and Tomato Semi Looper Pheromone Lure
Pheromone base lure that attracts the males effectively removing them from the breeding population.T..
R185.89
Delta Trap : Trap Only
These cost-effective, readily assembled traps are easy to use enabling fast implementation for a q..
R167.49
Funnel Trap : Trap Only
This is the most advanced Bucket Funnel Trap® in the global market. Lures available separatelyWork..
R182.31
Specials
Baccatum Pea
Capsicum baccatum A wild chilli variety that produces Hot small fruits that are pea shaped. Fruits s..
R27.37 R31.48
Big Riot Chocolate
Capsicum chinenseThis is a result of a cross between Big Black Mama and 7 Pot Bubblegum. Not comple..
R42.21 R48.53
Black Cephus
Solanum lycopersicum LIMITED STOCK!This is another Livingseeds first. This tomato was found outsi..
R29.60 R34.12
Black Prince Chilli
Capsicum annuumWhile many class the Black Prince as an ornamental chilli, they are certainly edible ..
R27.37 R31.48
CGN 16994
Capsicum chinenseThought to originate from Brazil. This pepper is a Habanero wannabe. From the Haban..
R27.37 R31.48
Clavo Red
Capsicum ChinenseA relative of the habanero chilli. The fruits are elongated medium sized pods that ..
R27.37 R31.48
Dixie Beans
Phaseolus lunatus Dixie beans, a charming bush lima bean variety, is known for its heat-loving resi..
R33.02 R37.97
Facing Heaven
Capsicum annuum A very old Chinese variety, with a distinct flavour. A pretty bush that has all t..
R27.37 R31.48
Iditarod Red
Solanum lycopersicumIditarod Red is the perfect choice for gardeners looking for a compact, early va..
R29.67 R34.12
Loofah Lenyenye
Luffa aegyptiacaThe Lenyenye Loofah is a real South African treasure. One of the rarest of loofahs i..
R36.85 R42.38
Norfolk Green Globe Turnip
Brassica rapaThis English heirloom has stood the test of time, dating back to the 16th century. Prod..
R27.37 R31.48
Osborne and Clyde Pole Beans
Phaseolus vulgarisA vigorous climbing bean that produces short, flat green pods with a reddish-purpl..
R28.82 R33.14
Peacock Improved Watermelon
Citrullus lanatusA tough vining watermelon with dark green oval fruits. The slightly tough rind encl..
R32.48 R37.35
Ronde de Nice
Cucurbita pepoA French zucchini heirloom variety that is a vigorous and quick growing. The pastel g..
R29.47 R33.90
Scaly Bark Watermelon
Citrullus lunatus Now here's a unique-looking watermelon. First listed in 1885, this very old US ..
R31.36 R36.06
Silver Queen Okra
Abelmoschus esculentusA prolific producer of 8cm elegant lime-tinted pods if picked regularly. The ..
R29.47 R33.90
Summer Star Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum The yields on this variety are noteworthy. These indeterminate plants are re..
R29.47 R33.90