Thursday, March 22, 2012

Inch Worm...Inch Worm



The tiny worms I found in the greenhouse this morning were not so cute to me!


While they may have been counting flowers, as in the YouTube, they were also eating the first leaves of the newest pepper seedling emerging from their starter pods.


In doing some research on the Internet, I came across this article that has the explanation of how it probably happened. The worms have dined on the tender top two leaves.


The tomato plants fared better because they are a couple weeks older.

There he is hiding on a window!
My conclusion to the infestation may stem from the new grow lights I installed a few weeks ago. Apparently they attract moths at night, which in turn lay eggs. The natural process is for the eggs to hatch into larvae.

Have you ever lost newly sprouted plants this way?

Meggie Mac

10 comments:

  1. Ohhh, I loved, loved, loved the Muppet Show version of inch worm with Danny Kaye. But, like you I prefer they stay in muppet-land. My problem is the battles I wage on the web worms in my Texas laurel.

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    1. I guess we all have our special bug problems...it keeps us on our toes.

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  2. No worms for us - we just do battle with slugs and snails!

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    1. Slugs and snails can do a lot of damage. I had them when I lived in the city.

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  3. No here is no worms just snails.

    Hugs
    Elna

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    Replies
    1. As I was telling Scarlet, I fought them when I lived in the city where is was damp.

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  4. Ooh I hate insects of any kind! Having said that, I never let anyone kill them. They're always caught in a glass and put outside, not by me though I may add. Lots of love xxx

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    Replies
    1. You're so sweet to handle your bugs like that. Usually nature keeps everything in balance.

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  5. I haven't heard that song for so many years - wonderful. Sorry to hear about your seedlings - so far the only ones we have lost have been in the conservatory, just a few, thank goodness. Far be it from me to blame the cats, but I know it was George or I, Toby couldn't reach the table... I hope the rest of your plants are safe.

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    Replies
    1. It's a good thing I keep a close eye on them. I think the warm weather is the cause of this. Usually, this time of year, we still have some cool days and nights. I think I have it all under control this evening.

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