Question
I THINK I MAY HAVE DISCOVERED A FAMILY OF HORNWORMS (GUESSING) IN MY TOMATO PLANTS. WORM IS HUGE (ONE IS ABOUT 4" AND THE OTHER IS ABOUT 5" - VERY VERY FAT, TOO). I WENT TO TOUCH IT AND IT GOT PRETTY UPSET. ARE THEY DANGEROUS? I'VE NEVER SEEN A CATERPILLAR SO LARGE AND AM AFRAID THEY WILL RETURN SEASON AFTER SEASON (I HAVE ALREADY GIVEN UP TWO TOMATO PLANTS TO THEM). ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NATURAL REMEDIES? WHAT SHOULD I DO W/THESE TWO? I HATE KILLING ANYTHING...

Answer
Kelly,

Tomato hornworms are not dangerous unless you are a tomato plant. They can be plucked off and tossed out of the garden. Hand-picking is probably the best way to deal with them in a small garden. Just check your plants daily and if you see larvae pick them off. If you want to treat with an insecticide I'd suggest the natural insecticide called spinosad. It is very effective and safe for use in home gardens. Here's an article about spinosad http://www.livingwithbugs.com/spinosad.html that may be useful.

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com