Caterpillars & Moths

Caterpillars are the larvae of moths or butterflies, members of the Lepidoptera order of insects. There are over 110,000 identified species. Some are called loopers or have worm in their names; most have their first name as the host plant or what structure they build (i.e., cabbage loopers, tomato hornworm, and tent caterpillars). Perhaps the most devastating pest, their cutting mouthparts devour many times their weight as they outgrow their bodies, molting five or six times before they pupate.

Life Cycle
There are a few butterflies that migrate and live as long as a year before depositing eggs in the spring. However, most adult butterflies or moths emerge from pupation in the spring. Soon afterwards the females lay eggs close to or on the plants that the emerging caterpillars will feed on. Once the caterpillars emerge, the feast is on! After molting five or six times (they literally outgrow themselves), most pupate. The cycle then starts again. Depending on the species and the climate, up to 4 generations a year may occur; in the colder areas, only one generation occurs a year.

Control

• Monitor for adults; use a specific pheromone lure and trap; for instance, Codling Moth Trap, Gypsy Moth Trap or Beet Armyworm lure and trap. This will allow you to know you will have the problem of eggs and caterpillars shortly.
  
  
• Use the following beneficial insects to control eggs: Green Lacewing, Trichogramma and Ladybugs. Garden Defense can be used to kill the caterpillar eggs before your beneficials hatch or arrive.
  
  
• Once you have caterpillars, use products from the following list to control them:

Bonide Thuricide
Dipel
Neem Products: Garden Defense, Bon-Neem, Bio-Neem, Rose Rx
Pyganic
Safer Yard and Garden
Bonide Garden Dust
Entrust
Surround WP
Monterey Garden Insect Spray
All Seasons Horticultural and Dormant Spray Oil

• Foliar applications of the beneficial nematode Steinernema feltiae (NemAttack for southern states) are very effective against caterpillars. Be sure to apply in the evening or very early morning to avoid damaging UV exposure.
  
  
• Tassel applications of either nematodes or the above products are recommended for corn earworm.