Are cutworms hard to get rid of?

They can be persistent, but hand picking them at night is very effective. Consistency is key to clearing an infestation.

Do I need to use chemicals?

Try non chemical methods first like hand picking or traps. If the damage is overwhelming, look for an organic pest control product.

What is eating my Creeping Buttonweed? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Examine the stems at the soil line for clean cuts.
Look for slimy trails on the leaves or soil.
Check under the leaves and in the soil for hidden pests.

Likely causes

Cutworms
Most likely
How to tell: You will see stems chewed through right at the soil surface. This causes entire sections of the plant to wither and die overnight.
What to do: Search for the larvae in the soil near the damaged stems, especially at night. You can place a protective collar around young plants or use organic bait.
Slugs or snails
Possible
How to tell: You see irregular holes in the leaves and slimy trails nearby. They are most active at night or during damp weather.
What to do: Hand pick them off in the evening or use a shallow dish of beer to trap them. Keep the area tidy to remove their hiding spots.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your creeping buttonweed

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If you see large patches disappearing, you must treat the area immediately. Small amounts of damage are usually manageable.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area free of weeds and debris where pests like to hide. Encourage natural predators like birds or beneficial insects in your garden.

Creeping Buttonweed: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your creeping buttonweed and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are cutworms hard to get rid of?: They can be persistent, but hand picking them at night is very effective. Consistency is key to clearing an infestation.
Do I need to use chemicals?: Try non chemical methods first like hand picking or traps. If the damage is overwhelming, look for an organic pest control product.

What is eating my Creeping Buttonweed?

Check these first

Likely causes

Cutworms

Slugs or snails

Find out what's wrong with your creeping buttonweed

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Creeping Buttonweed: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Creeping Buttonweed