Cutworms
If your seedlings are suddenly cut off at the soil line or found lying on the ground, cutworms are likely the cause.
What They Look Like
Cutworms are smooth, soft-bodied caterpillars that live in the soil.
They are usually gray, brown, or black and blend easily into dirt and debris.
When disturbed, they often curl tightly into a C shape.
They are rarely seen during the day and do most of their feeding at night.
Damage Signs
Seedlings cut off at the soil surface as if snipped
Plants lying on the ground with stems severed
Young plants disappearing overnight
Damage appears suddenly and often affects multiple plants
Plants Affected
Tomatoes
Peppers
Cabbage and other brassicas
Lettuce and leafy greens
Beans and peas
Corn
Young flower and herb seedlings
Fast Control (Start Here)
Check soil around damaged plants for curled larvae
Remove any cutworms you find
Protect seedlings immediately with collars around stems
Focus on protecting newly planted or transplanted crops
Additional Control Options
Use simple collars made from cardboard or plastic to block access
Apply beneficial nematodes to target larvae in the soil
Handpick in the evening when they are active
Use other treatments only if damage continues
Prevention
Clear plant debris and weeds before planting
Disturb soil early in the season to expose larvae
Use collars on all vulnerable seedlings
Delay planting slightly if cutworms have been a problem
Protect plants until stems become thicker and more resistant
Notes for Gardeners
Damage almost always happens early in the season
One cutworm can destroy multiple seedlings in a single night
By the time you notice damage, they are usually already in the soil
Collars are one of the most reliable defenses and work immediately
Mature plants are rarely affected once stems harden
