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European corn borer
Insect or pest Ostrinia nubilalis
Trails or tunnels in leaves or stemsDamaged fruit, pods, or earsBugs I can see
How to spot it
Cream to pinkish caterpillars up to 1 inch long with a dark head. Look for small holes with sawdust-like droppings on stalks and leaves. The adults are small tan moths with wavy lines.
What it does
They tunnel into stalks and ears, so stalks break and ears drop. They also bore into peppers.
What to do now
- Spray Bt or spinosad into the whorl and on leaves at the first sign of feeding.
- Cut out and throw away damaged stalks.
Keep it away next time
- Shred and turn under corn stalks after harvest.
- Grow corn in a new spot each year.
Helpful supplies
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Plants it affects
See also
Not sure? Your county extension office can identify it from a photo or sample, often for free.