Many other young trees are vulnerable to these destructive insects. While the moths themselves do no harm to crops, the larvae destroy young plants by eating the stems at or near ground level. When the moths’ eggs hatch, the larvae spend three to five weeks chewing on plants in preparation for the pupal stage. According to Old Farmers’ Almanac, cutworms feed on roots and foliage of young plants, and will even cut off the plant from underneath the soil. The rodents will nest in the dirt, weeds and grass, from which they emerge at night to feed on young trees.

Source: Daily Nation May 15, 2020 18:11 UTC