Corn earworms are a common challenge for home gardeners and small farms. The right insecticide can help protect corn and nearby crops without harming beneficial insects when used as directed. Below are five widely available products designed to target caterpillars and similar pests. Each section outlines key features, recommended use areas, and how it might fit into a practical pest management plan.
| Product | Brand | Primary Benefit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durvet Permethrin 10%, 8oz | Durvet | Rapid kill of insects including caterpillars | Approved for use on livestock and premises; follow label directions |
| Safer Brand Caterpillar Killer II Concentrate, 16 Oz | Safer | Effective against caterpillars, gypsy moth larvae, worms | Good for garden and field use with environmental considerations |
| Fertilome Spinosad Insecticide, 16 oz | ferti-lome | Controls caterpillars and many listed pests | Outdoor use on vegetables, trees, shrubs, fruits; available in concentrate |
| Bonide Pyrethrin Garden Insect Spray Concentrate, 8 oz | Bonide | Fast acting control of multiple garden insects | Biodegradable insecticide derived from chrysanthemums; broad use |
| Southern AG NATURALYTE Conserve Insect Control, 8oz | Southern Ag | Contains spinosad; effective against foliage feeders | Focuses on caterpillars and related pests |
Durvet Permethrin 10%, 8oz
Durvet Permethrin 10% is a fast-acting concentrate designed to rapidly kill many insects. Permethrin is highly toxic to insects while posing minimal risk to humans and livestock when used as directed. This product is approved for use around dairy and beef cattle, horses, sheep, goats, dogs, swine, poultry, and various livestock premises and homes. For corn earworm control, apply according to the label, focusing on infestation sites such as field margins, foliage, and grain crops where caterpillars are active. Always observe pre-h harvest intervals and protective equipment requirements.
Safer Brand Caterpillar Killer II Concentrate, 16 Oz
This concentrate targets caterpillars, gypsy moth larvae, worms, and cabbage loopers, providing a practical option for vegetable and field crops affected by corn earworm activity. It emphasizes an effective approach without undue harm to beneficial insects when used as directed, and can be used up until harvest in many cases. Consider rotating with other modes of action to reduce resistance risk and to maintain a broad pest management strategy for corn and nearby crops.
Fertilome Spinosad Insecticide, 16 oz
Ferti-lome Spinosad is designed to control a broad spectrum of insects, including caterpillars and worms, with outdoor use on vegetables and trees. Spinosad is a microbial-derived active ingredient that can be effective on corn earworm when applied according to the label. It is available as concentrate or ready-to-spray, offering flexibility for varying spray equipment and schedules. Combine with careful timing to maximize larval knockdown during peak feeding periods.
Bonide Pyrethrin Garden Insect Spray Concentrate, 8 oz
Bonide Pyrethrin Garden Insect Spray uses pyrethrin, a biodegradable ingredient derived from chrysanthemum flowers, to rapidly kill a range of insects including aphids, beetles, webworms, and leafhoppers. It is suitable for use on vegetables, ornamentals, and flowering plants, making it a versatile option for both garden borders and field plots adjacent to corn. The mode of action targets the nervous system of pests, delivering quick knockdown while minimizing environmental persistence when used as directed.
Southern AG NATURALYTE Conserve – NATURALYTE Insect Control, 8oz
Conserve NATURALYTE from Southern Ag emphasizes natural and effective control of foliage-feeding worms and caterpillars, using spinosad as an active ingredient. This product can help manage corn earworm pressure in home gardens and small plots while supporting a more integrated approach to pest management. It also offers dual-use options for outdoor settings and ornamental landscapes, contributing to a broader strategy against caterpillar pests throughout the growing season.
Buying Guide
- Active ingredient and pest spectrum: Match the product’s active ingredient (permethrin, spinosad, pyrethrin, deltamethrin, etc.) to corn earworm biology and resistance history in your area.
- Label directions and site coverage: Confirm allowable uses on field crops versus residential areas, harvest intervals, and any pre-harvest restrictions.
- Application timing: Target periods of peak caterpillar feeding, combining with scouting data to optimize spray timing and minimize resistance development.
- Environmental and non-target considerations: Choose products with favorable profiles for beneficial insects and pollinators when possible, and rotate modes of action to maintain long-term efficacy.
- Formulation and equipment compatibility: Decide between concentrates and ready-to-spray formulations based on your sprayer setup and volume needs.
- Resistance management: Avoid relying on a single product week after week; integrate cultural controls (crop rotation, trap crops) and biological controls where appropriate.