Diamondback Moth

Diamond Back Moth Control

Plutella xylostella

The Diamondback Moth is widespread in North America, but does commercial damage only in limited areas. The larvae, which are pale green and about ½"in length. They attack cabbage, collards, greenhouse plants, and some ornamentals, feeding on the underside of leaves first.

The adult moth is approx. ⅓" long and the light-colored areas that show as anal margins of the fore wings fit together to form diamond-shaped spots. The females lay eggs on the underside of leaves.

They can often devour everything but the leaf veins which is exceptionally detrimental to seedlings. They overwinter in the moth stage, hiding among the crop remains.

Control begins when you see the adults. Release Trichogramma spp eggs and once hatched, these tiny parasitic wasps will attack the eggs.

Once the larvae have hatched, it is time to spray your plants with Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki or Spinosad. These will knock out the pests in short order.

For more information please see our Caterpillars and Moths Control page.