Something Eating Corn Leaves in Florida? Night-Feeding Cutworms

Corn leaves disappearing overnight in New Port Richey? Cantaloupe and marigolds untouched. Classic cutworm damage—nocturnal caterpillars that chew leaves and sever stems at soil level.

Identify the Culprit

Check soil around plant bases at night with flashlight. Cutworms curl into "C" shape when disturbed. Daytime: they hide just under soil surface.

Pet-Safe Controls

• Diatomaceous earth (DE): Ring around each plant. Reapply after rain.
• Cardboard collars: 3-inch tubes sunk 1 inch deep around seedlings.
• Beneficial nematodes: Apply to moist soil—parasitize cutworm larvae.
• Hand-pick at night: Drop in soapy water.

Marigold-Vinegar Spray (Experimental)

Crush marigold flowers, steep in vinegar-water, strain, spray plant bases. Anecdotal but harmless to pets.

Prevention Next Season

• Fall tilling exposes overwintering pupae to birds/cold
• Remove weeds early (alternate hosts)
• DE in planting furrows
• Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray on young plants

Cutworms are persistent but manageable. Night patrols + DE barriers = saved corn.