Cutworm (climbing)

Climbing cutworms are soil-dwelling caterpillars that climb plants at night, feeding on buds, new foliage, and young shoots, then returning to soil during the day. You will see irregular feeding damage on upper plant parts with no obvious pest visible. These caterpillars are active in Western Washington in spring and fall. Small transplants and seedlings suffer the most damage; established plants tolerate feeding on upper portions without serious harm.

Remove cutworms by hand during night inspections with a flashlight, checking the base of plants and surrounding soil. Create barriers around young plants using cardboard collars pushed into soil to prevent climbing. Maintain weed-free areas around plants, as cutworms hide in plant debris. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can be applied to foliage to target young caterpillars, but timing is critical since these pests move between plant and soil. Most damage is manageable through good sanitation and hand removal.