Combating owl butterflies

Cutworms in your garden? ✅ Effectively and naturally combat caterpillars in the soil and on plants with GREEN GUARDIA HB Nematodes & Repellent Spray.

1. General information about owl butterflies

Cutworms are the larvae of various moths, especially the Noctuidae. They live in the soil during the day and emerge at night to feed on plants. Vegetable beds, young plants, herbs, and ornamental plants are particularly affected.

The caterpillars are gray to brownish, up to 5 cm long, and curl into a snail-like shape when disturbed. Their secretive lifestyle allows them to remain undetected for a long time—until the damage to the plants becomes visible.

2. Detecting owl moth infestation – typical signs

Typical signs of cutworm infestation are:

  • Bitten stems of young plants , often just above the ground
  • Eaten leaves on vegetables and herbs
  • Caterpillars in the soil that are hidden in the earth during the day
  • Sudden failure of young plants in beds or planters

Cutworms are particularly dangerous in spring and autumn when many young plants are growing in the garden.

3. Preventing owl butterflies – Tips for gardens and vegetable patches

Here’s how you can prevent or reduce cutworm infestation:

  • Loosen soil regularly to expose and disturb larvae
  • Remove weeds as they provide protection for the caterpillars
  • Check vegetable beds regularly , especially after new plantings
  • Use plant protection nets to prevent the butterflies from laying eggs
  • Strengthen healthy plants , as strong plants are less susceptible
Recommended product

Targeted application in the soil: HB nematodes seek out the cutworms in the soil and thus contribute to a natural reduction of the infestation.

  • Easy to use: Ready to use in just a few steps – ideal for lawns, flowerbeds and ornamental gardens.
  • Natural & gentle: Completely without chemical additives – safe for humans, pets and plants.
  • Long-term effect: Effective against grubs in the soil, thus supporting strong root growth and healthy plants.
HB nematodes against black vine weevils and grubs HB nematodes against black vine weevils and grubs
HB nematodes against black vine weevils and grubs
From €11,99
€1,20 /m2

4. GREEN GUARDIA products against owl moths

GREEN GUARDIA HB nematodes against cutworms

Our HB nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) are the most effective biological solution against cutworms in the soil. They are applied with water, penetrate the caterpillars, and halt their development. They are particularly effective in spring and fall when the larvae are active.

Advantages:

  • 100% natural & organic
  • Targets caterpillars in the soil
  • Safe for humans, pets and beneficial insects
  • Easy to apply with a watering can or sprayer

GREEN GUARDIA pest repellent spray

The ready-to-use spray is the ideal complement to nematode treatment. It acts directly against the caterpillars, which are already feeding above ground on leaves and stems. Its simple application to the affected plants immediately reduces damage.

👉 The combination of HB nematodes (against larvae in the soil) and repellent spray (against above-ground caterpillars) offers the best protection to effectively and sustainably combat cutworms.

✅ Conclusion: Cutworms are voracious pests that primarily threaten young plants and vegetables in the garden. With GREEN GUARDIA HB nematodes and the repellent spray , you can combat cutworms naturally, effectively, and long-term , without the need for chemicals.