Cone Flower Worms

Question

I am in Maine and have many cone flowers. Last year a mole ate every root. So I placed new plants in a metal cage and placed in the ground. They came up great this spring but when I watered yesterday I noticed the seed center was all filed with debris. As I looked closer I noticed a worm in many of my flowers. I since have cut most down. The ones cut I placed in a pail of water with salt to kill the worms. I pulled one flower stock out and counted at least 7 worms. Will this continue every year. Never had these worms in the past. I did have solar lights in between each plant and now I think this may have contributed to the moth laying the eggs. Any solutions? Thank you.

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Answer 1

Those are, definitely, moth larva. Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-budworms.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/coneflower