Pest identification
What's eating my 'black krim' tomato?
Tomato hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata)
Signs: Overnight defoliation; large caterpillars (up to 10 cm / 4 in) on main stems; dark frass everywhere.
Control: Hand-pick and destroy or relocate; Bt kurstaki spray; grow dill nearby to attract parasitic wasps.
Tomato fruitworm / corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea)
Signs: Entry holes at fruit shoulder; larvae feed inside — dark skin makes holes harder to see.
Control: Spinosad spray timed to egg hatch; pheromone traps; remove and destroy infested fruit immediately.
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on new growth; honeydew; foliage distortion; virus transmission.
Control: Insecticidal soap; strong water jet; introduce lacewings or parasitic wasps.
Deer
Signs: Browsed or broken stems; large bite marks on fruit; damage overnight near woodland edges.
Control: Install 2 m+ fencing; use motion-activated deterrents; reapply scent-based repellents after rain.
Keep 'black krim' tomato pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
'Black Krim' Tomato pests — FAQ
What is eating my 'black krim' tomato?
'Black Krim' is a dark-shouldered heirloom tomato from Crimea. Like all large-fruited beefsteaks it attracts hornworms and fruitworms most severely, while aphids stress vines. Its dark skin can mask early fruit damage. Deer and groundhogs target the large fruits in garden settings. Scout foliage and fruit daily once fruits set.
How do I get rid of tomato hornworm (manduca quinquemaculata) on 'black krim' tomato?
Overnight defoliation; large caterpillars (up to 10 cm / 4 in) on main stems; dark frass everywhere. Hand-pick and destroy or relocate; Bt kurstaki spray; grow dill nearby to attract parasitic wasps.
How do I get rid of tomato fruitworm / corn earworm (helicoverpa zea) on 'black krim' tomato?
Entry holes at fruit shoulder; larvae feed inside — dark skin makes holes harder to see. Spinosad spray timed to egg hatch; pheromone traps; remove and destroy infested fruit immediately.
How do I get rid of aphids on 'black krim' tomato?
Colonies on new growth; honeydew; foliage distortion; virus transmission. Insecticidal soap; strong water jet; introduce lacewings or parasitic wasps.
How do I get rid of deer on 'black krim' tomato?
Browsed or broken stems; large bite marks on fruit; damage overnight near woodland edges. Install 2 m+ fencing; use motion-activated deterrents; reapply scent-based repellents after rain.