Cabbage Worms

Cabbage Worm Control

The commonly used term Cabbage Worm refers to a variety of caterpillars (larvae) in the Lepidoptera family. All of these larvae feed on cabbage and other cruciferous crops. They target broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collards, kale, Kohlrabi, mustard greens, turnip greens, radishes, turnips, and rutabagas.

The adult moths are grouped into species known as cabbage worm compte butterflies (family Pieridae, type genus Pieris, known as garden whites). Some control can be reached if Trichogramma spp (a minute parasitic wasp) are released when the adult moth is seen or trapped and monitored. Trichogramma spp parasitize the eggs of the Lepidoptera family.

The caterpillars in this group destroy a large number of leaves and their frass accumulates in the central part of the cabbage or plant on which they develop.

Please check out our comprehensive Caterpillars and Moths Control page.