- Wireworms feed off sweet potatoes. Adult wireworms are called click beetles. Their larvae have hard bodies that grow to a quarter inch. Certain species of larvae can live as long as four years, before becoming a beetles. These pests create round holes in sweet potatoes. Gardeners may notice scarring in older holes or ragged holes in freshly eaten sweet potatoes. Use pesticides that contain phosmet, chlorpyrifos or ethoprop.
- Armyworms get their name from their habit of crossing over fields as large groups. These pests are laid by moths. Gardeners can judge if they may have an armyworm problem by inspecting their gardens at night, when the moth is at its most active. Moths feed on nectar and lay their eggs in rows. Most damage occurs in May or early June, when armyworms eat the foliage off of potato plants. Use a pesticide that contains spinosad, spinetoram or novaluron to control these pests.
- Sweet potato horn worms hatch from moth eggs. These worms have white bodies with black horn-like ends, according to North Carolina State University. These pests cause damage by eating the foliage off of sweet potato plants. Lack of foliage can inhibit the plant's ability to photosynthesize. You may see moths lay eggs in June, August, September and in the fall. Gardeners can pick sweet potato horn worms off of plants. However, you may have to use a pesticide that contains carbaryl on major infestations.
- Beet armyworms infest a number of crops including sweet potatoes, alfalfa, cotton and beets. Those living in the northern United States get a break from the pest when its killed by the first frost. Moreover, gardeners may see their beet armyworm population skyrocket within days. Moths can lay up to 600 eggs in a week, according to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture . Use a foliar pesticide that contains rynaxypyr on your sweet potato plants.
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