Common Cabbage Pests and How to Get Rid of Them Naturally

ByStephen Albert

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Cabbage is a rewarding cool-weather crop, but its tender leaves are magnets for a variety of garden pests. Over my 30+ years of growing cabbage in raised beds, mounded rows, and containers, I’ve learned that early identification and natural controls are the keys to protecting plants without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Below are the most common cabbage pests I’ve battled—and the organic solutions that work.

Cabbage looper

1. Cabbage Worms

(Imported Cabbageworm, Cabbage Looper, Diamondback Moth Larvae)

Damage: Ragged holes in leaves, frass (droppings) on plants.
Natural Controls:

  • Handpick worms and drop into soapy water.
  • Use floating row covers to prevent egg-laying.
  • Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacterium targeting caterpillars.

My insight: I inspect my cabbage twice a week in spring—catching worms early prevents head damage and keeps leaves clean.

Aphids

2. Aphids

Damage: Clusters of small, soft-bodied insects on leaf undersides, causing curling and yellowing.
Natural Controls:

  • Blast with a strong spray of water to dislodge.
  • Release ladybugs or lacewings.
  • Spray with diluted insecticidal soap.
Flead beetles

3. Flea Beetles

Damage: Tiny shot-hole patterns in leaves, especially on young plants.
Natural Controls:

  • Cover seedlings with row covers until plants are well established.
  • Mulch heavily to limit beetle movement.
  • Use neem oil sprays as a deterrent.
Cutworms

4. Cutworms

Damage: Seedlings cut off at the soil line.
Natural Controls:

  • Place cardboard collars around stems at planting.
  • Remove weeds and debris where cutworms hide.
  • Till the soil before planting to expose larvae to predators.
Slug

5. Slugs and Snails

Damage: Irregular holes and slime trails on leaves.
Natural Controls:

  • Handpick in the evening or early morning.
  • Set out shallow dishes of beer as traps.
  • Use copper tape around container rims.

My takeaway:
By using natural pest control methods, I’ve been able to grow cabbage that’s both healthy and chemical-free. Early detection, preventative barriers, and encouraging beneficial insects make a huge difference in keeping crops pest-free throughout the season.

Cabbage Learning Hub

🥬 Start Here: The Ultimate Cabbage Growing Guide: From Seed to Harvest

🌿 Planting & Timing

How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Chinese Cabbage

🦟 Pests, Diseases & Troubleshooting

💧 Care & Growing Tips

🧊 Harvesting, Storage & Preservation

🥗 In the Kitchen & Beyond

🌱 Varieties & Seed Saving

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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