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Identification
Fat, greasy-looking grey-brown caterpillars found in soil at night.
cycle
Life Cycle
Moths lay eggs on foliage. Larvae overwinter in soil. Pupate in spring.
warning
Damage Signs
Cut through stems of seedlings at or just below soil level. Can destroy entire seedling beds overnight.
healing
Treatment
Cardboard collar around stem base. Diatomaceous earth. Nematodes. Hand-pick at night.
shield
Prevention
Till soil before planting to expose pupae. Cardboard collars. Remove weeds.