The tomato hornworm is one of the pests that can plague local gardens. Master Gardeners | Contributed It is a good idea to take a walk in the garden every day. It is good for the gardener and the plants. Observing plants on a regular basis can help control pests that may be beginning to enjoy tomatoes. When caught early they are usually easy to control without insecticides or any other drastic actions.

Mites, beetles, thrips, whiteflies, worms, stinkbugs, aphids, leaf miners and more can feast on the garden. Tomato plants are hearty and pests usually can be managed without insecticides. Diligent observation, knowing the difference between pest insects and beneficial insects, and dealing with pest problems as soon as they appear goes a long way in pest management.

One common and easily controlled pest is the tomato hornworm. The hornworm can camouflage itself so well that it looks like a tomato leaf. If you notice skeletonizing of tomato plant leaves its likely tomato hornworms.

They are tricky to find since they blend in so well with the tomato plant leaves. Gardeners can check the leaves and ground below the plant for one-sixteenth inch black pellets of excrement, a tell tale sign. Look straight up from there, and they will find a hornworm, usually about the size of a finger. Hand pick them off the plant and drop them in a pail of water.

Aphids can sometimes be a problem, especially this year with our cooler spring. Look under your leaves for tiny, oval, green, yellowish or black insects and use a sharp spray from a hose to remove them. They are probably not going to take the trek back up the plant to reinfest.

It is best to accurately identify any pests that cause concern. Many pests need no control unless infestations are very severe and many are kept under good control by natural predators or parasites. Other insects that eat them or lay their eggs in them.

If insecticidal control is needed be sure to use a product that is specific to the pest. Broad-spectrum insecticides can cause more harm than good by destroying good insects that prey on your pests and consequently cause an upset to nature’s balance. By destroying beneficial insects there is an increased possibility of a surge in the populations of pests because their natural insect enemies have been destroyed.

For assistance in identifying insects and advice on how to best treat specific pests, stop by one of the Master Gardener help desks with a sample. Offices are located at 5009 Fairgrounds Road. the phone number is 966- 7078. The office is open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon or Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m. The North County Office is located at 6430 Greeley Hill Road (behind the Village Realty.) The phone number is 878-3209, and the office is open Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m.

The next article will focus on tomato plant diseases.

Mariposa Master Gardeners are participating with The Mariposa Agi- Nature trail in presenting a special event this fall: Weekend in the Country – A Tomato Fest.