Question
This year, 2007, I have spotted several 1" long curled green worms eating the leaves of my roses.  What are they, where did they come from and what can I do to get rid of them or prevent them from returning?

Answer
Deborah, this common garden pest is called a green hornworm. Hornworms are actually caterpillars that chew large holes in the leaves of ornamentals (roses), tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes. Their young larvae are white but they eventually mature into a deep green that blends in with the foliage making them hard to detect.

You can control them by hand-picking them or using an organic control called BT (bacillus thuringiensis) commonly sold under the product name Dipel or MVP. BT is non-toxic to humans, pets, and the environment, and can be applied right up to the time you harvest. You can purchase these products at a local garden center or through an on-line catalog such as Gardens Alive at:

http://www.gardensalive.com  

I would recommend that you thoroughly till the garden every fall to destroy pupae, the offspring of the hornworm.  

I hope this answered your question. Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.  

Regards,  

Mike