Cutworm

Cutworm larvae are smooth, plump caterpillars, typically gray, brown, or black, often with faint stripes. They curl into a C-shape when disturbed. As nocturnal feeders, they are rarely seen during the day, hiding in soil or under plant debris.

Look for seedlings that have been severed at or near the soil line. You might also find ragged holes in leaves or find the caterpillars themselves hiding just beneath the soil surface near damaged plants. In Myrtle Beach gardens, newly planted vegetables are particularly vulnerable.

MBPC can advise on preventative measures and targeted treatments for cutworms in your Grand Strand garden. Options include applying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or using physical barriers around vulnerable plants. As a licensed company in SC, we prioritize environmentally responsible pest management.

Clear away plant debris and weeds from your Myrtle Beach garden, as these provide hiding places for cutworms. Consider using plant collars around young seedlings to prevent cutworm damage. Tilling the soil before planting can also expose and destroy overwintering cutworm pupae.

Cutworms thrive in gardens and agricultural areas throughout Myrtle Beach and coastal South Carolina. They prefer loose, cultivated soil where they can easily burrow and feed on plant roots and stems. The humid subtropical climate provides ample moisture for their survival.

Peak activity: Spring-Fall