European corn borer: how to spot, prevent and treat it pest
How do you spot European corn borer?
Small entry holes in the stem with borings that look like sawdust. Above them the foliage wilts or the stem snaps.
On particular plants
chili pepper: The caterpillar bores in beside the stalk and eats out the seed core.
pepper: The caterpillar bores in beside the stalk and eats out the seed core.
sweet corn: The caterpillar feeds inside the cob as well.
How do you prevent European corn borer?
In autumn remove or shred the stems in which the caterpillars overwinter: cut them off at ground level and mulch them, plough them in or carry them off the bed. This is the strongest measure, because it takes the pest's winter quarters away.
What works against European corn borer?
Split the attacked stem below the entry hole and destroy the caterpillar. On a small bed this is workable and more precise than spraying, which does not reach a caterpillar inside a stem anyway.
Which plants get European corn borer? 8
Vegetables 8
Sources: EPPO Global Database, University of Maryland Extension
Checked on 17 August 2026.