Cabbage worms are the same pest as “imported cabbageworms.”The adult butterflies are sometimes called cabbage whites or small whites. The Latin name is Pieris rapae, or Artogeia rapae.
This is a common pest for cabbage,kale, cauliflower, broccoli,and other members of the cabbage vegetable family.Do not be overly concerned if you see a hole in a leaf; plants can withstand much leaf loss without consequence.It is during seedling establishment or early head formation that plants will incur true damage to their growth andyield.
Cabbage worms are velvety green larvae. They have a few faint yellow stripes.They are not to be confused with cabbage loopers, which are yellow-green caterpillars. Unlike cabbage worms, cabbage loopers raise and lower their bodies as they move (like an inchworm) because they have no middlelegs.
Cabbage worms become cabbage white butterflies, which are primarily white with a few black markings. Cabbage white butterflies might seem like a pretty addition to the garden, but they are probably laying eggs on the undersides ofleaves!
Where you find cabbage worms and cabbage loopers, you also might find the eggs and larvae of the diamondback moth and the zebra caterpillar. The camouflage of these creatures is excellent, so you will often see the frass, or fecal matter, that they leave behind before you seethem.
Cabbage WormDamage
After hatching in early to mid-spring, cabbage worms feed for two to three weeks before pupating. This is the time when monitoring is critical! Cabbage worms can happily eat away at young seedlings or the foliage of cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and other leafy crops. They feed on foliage, and eventually, they can leave plants only with stems and large veins. Cabbage worms can devour your crops entirely if left to their own devices. Their fecal matter can also stain and contaminate theproduce.
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As a seasoned gardening enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I've encountered and successfully managed various garden pests, including the notorious cabbage worms (Pieris rapae or Artogeia rapae). My expertise extends to the identification, control, and prevention of cabbage worm infestations, making me well-equipped to provide valuable insights on the topic.
Cabbage worms, often referred to as imported cabbageworms, pose a significant threat to leafy greens such as cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, and other members of the cabbage vegetable family. The adult butterflies, commonly known as cabbage whites or small whites, lay eggs on the undersides of leaves, leading to the emergence of velvety green larvae with faint yellow stripes—the unmistakable sign of a cabbage worm infestation.
One key aspect of cabbage worm identification is distinguishing them from cabbage loopers, which are yellow-green caterpillars with a distinctive movement pattern resembling inchworms. Cabbage worms, on the other hand, exhibit a different behavior and appearance, making it crucial to accurately identify the pest for effective control measures.
During the seedling establishment or early head formation stages, plants are most vulnerable to cabbage worm damage. While minor leaf loss might not be alarming, the real threat lies in the potential harm to plant growth and yield during these critical phases. Cabbage worms feed voraciously on the foliage, and if left unchecked, they can reduce plants to mere stems and large veins, leading to a devastating impact on your crops.
Monitoring is crucial during the two to three weeks when cabbage worms actively feed before pupating in early to mid-spring. Timely intervention is essential to prevent extensive damage, as these pests can quickly decimate young seedlings and the leaves of various leafy crops. The fecal matter produced by cabbage worms not only stains but can also contaminate the produce, further emphasizing the importance of effective control measures.
In addition to cabbage worms, gardeners may encounter related pests such as the diamondback moth and the zebra caterpillar in the same vicinity. Identifying these pests can be challenging due to their excellent camouflage, but the presence of frass (fecal matter) left behind serves as an early warning sign.
Armed with this comprehensive knowledge, you can now take proactive measures to protect your garden from cabbage worm infestations, ensuring the health and productivity of your leafy greens. Stay informed, implement effective control strategies, and enjoy a thriving garden free from the devastation caused by these persistent pests.
Look on the undersides of leaves for eggs that resemble tiny golden footballs attached by their tips. The green, wormlike, 1-inch-long caterpillars are covered in fine hairs that give them a velvety appearance. Pale yellow lines run lengthwise down their bodies.
Neem oil is a natural ingredient extracted from the neem tree that has insecticidal and fungicidal properties. Apply it to leaves and stems to control cabbage worms if other methods have not been effective, as neem oil can negatively impact beneficial insect populations as well as garden pests.
Cabbage worms become cabbage white butterflies, which are primarily white with a few black markings. Cabbage white butterflies might seem like a pretty addition to the garden, but they are probably laying eggs on the undersides of leaves!
Imported cabbageworms feed on cabbage, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale, turnips, and radishes as well as some weeds. The indicator that these caterpillars will soon be feeding in your garden is the presence of the female imported cabbageworm butterflies (Figure 1).
As per the common myth, it is believed that eating raw cabbage can lead to the development of tapeworm, which can alter the nervous system and infect the brain with Neurocysticercosis.
“Plant tomatoes, onions, garlic, sage, and rosemary near your cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and lettuce.” Several blogs suggested this as a way to repel the cabbage worm.
Thyme, dill, oregano, lavender, onions, garlic, and marigolds are said to deter cabbage whites and can be interplanted with the main crop. Some plants can serve as a “trap crop” to attract cabbage worms away from your primary crop.
The chances of recovery depend on how bad the infestation is and how quickly the plants grow. Mustard, kale, collards, spinach, chard, and other leafy plants quickly make new growth from the center of the plant and will be fine as soon as new leaves appear.
If you accidentally consume a live cabbage worm, it could potentially lead to some health issues. Firstly, cabbage worms can carry harmful bacteria or parasites that may cause stomach problems or infections. Eating them raw can increase the risk. Secondly, cabbage worms are not meant to be a part of our regular diet.
If you notice any signs of worms or insects, which sometimes appears in cabbage, soak the head in salt water or vinegar water for 15-20 minutes first. To preserve its vitamin C content, cut and wash the cabbage right before cooking or eating it.
Liquid Sevin Insect Killer Ready to Use2 kills cabbageworms on contact; just shake the container, adjust your nozzle and you're ready to go. If you prefer dust, a thin, uniform layer of Sevin Insect Killer Dust Ready to Use starts killing cabbageworms immediately upon contact.
Check diligently for signs of cabbageworms or their damage. Inspect the undersides of all leaves before covering crops, and remove the cover occasionally to look for eggs or cabbageworm damage.
The number of generations reported annually is two to three in Canada, three in the New England states, three to five in California, and six to eight in the south. Imported cabbageworm can be found throughout the year in Florida. Egg: Eggs are laid singly, usually on the lower surface of outer leaves of plants.
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