Reply To This Post         Return to Posts Index           VegSource Home

From:	S B (dialup-4.238.7.166.dial1.orlando1.level3.net)
Subject:	They are caterpillars and usually Bacillus thuringensis (Bt) will work…(m)
Date:	September 15, 2005 at 6:58 am PST

In Reply to: worms eating a Columbine plant posted by Pauline Leeson on September 14, 2005 at 2:18 pm:

Bt is an organic caterpillar control that is actually live bacteria and needs to be stored at below 90 degrees. (I keep mine the refrigerator.) Use Bt as directed on the bottle. It makes the caterpillars get sick and then die. This bacteria is harmful to ONLY caterpillars -- so it will not hurt other insects. BUT please use Bt only where and when needed BECAUSE some caterpillars turn into butterflies. However, butterfly caterpillars usually do not bother many garden things -- they usually like weeds and wooded areas.

Bt has several names it is sold under -- one is Thuricide, but I cannot remember the others. When you go to the store, read the labels carefully. If Bacillus thuringenis (not sure of spelling) is not in the name, it might be listed as the main ingredient. BUT if you cannot find Bacillus thuringensis anywhere on the label, then you do NOT want it.

You can also try hand picking the caterpillars and putting them in a jar of soapy water where they will drown. (Just make sure you leave them in there long enough!)

Hope this helps.

Reply To This Post         Return to Posts Index           VegSource Home