Giant Hornworms on Angel's Trumpet in Miami: Bt for Safe Control

The Pest: Hornworms on Angel's Trumpet

Large green caterpillars on Brugmansia (Angel's Trumpet) in Miami Beach. Likely tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) or tomato hornworm (M. quinquemaculata). Also found on tomatoes.

Safe, Effective Control: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)

• Products: Dipel, Thuricide, Monterey Bt (liquid or powder).
• Spray foliage thoroughly; caterpillars ingest, stop feeding, die in 2–3 days.
• Non-toxic to humans, pets, bees, beneficials.
• Apply in evening; reapply after rain or weekly.

Additional Tactics

• Hand-pick (wear gloves—hornworms can regurgitate).
• Leave parasitized hornworms (white rice-like cocoons) — braconid wasps will emerge.
• Plant trap crops (dill, fennel) away from prized plants.

Note on Angel's Trumpet

All parts are toxic. Wear gloves when handling; keep away from children/pets.