Small “sleeves” can be made from paper cups with the bottoms removed to create a mechanical barrier to the caterpillar when slipped over the plant and the bottom edge pressed into the soil. Baits may also be used, but should be applied late in the afternoon so they will be fresh when the cutworms come out to feed at night. Insecticide sprays will provide satisfactory control of cutworms if the spray is directed at the base of the plant where it emerges from the soil. Care should be taken to wet the soil with spray in an area extending 3 to 5 inches from the stem.
Also see University of Florida IFAS Extension website for suggestion dealing with other worms and pests.
