Caterpillars & Moths

Caterpillars are the larvae of moths or butterflies, members of the Lepidoptera order. There are over 110,000 identified species. Some are called loopers or have worm in their names and many have first names that indicate their host plant or structure they build (i.e. Cabbage loopers, Tomato Hornworm and Tent caterpillars). Perhaps the most devastating pest in organic gardens, their cutting mouthparts devour many times their weight as they cause unsightly damage that can harm overall plant health.

Caterpillar Egg Control:

Release beneficial insects (Trichogramma Moth Egg Parasites, Green Lacewing, Assassin Bugs) into your growing area early in the season to reduce caterpillar numbers. If beneficial insects are not useful in your environment, horticultural oils sprays can be used as a knockdown to smother eggs when temperatures are below 85°F. Removing detritus/fallen leaf matter will also reduce overwintering and egg laying sites. This is especially important between growing seasons.

Caterpillar Control:

Select options from the following list or browse other caterpillar control products below.

Monitor for Adult Moths:

Use specific pheromone lures and traps (e.g. Codling Moth Traps, Spongy Moth formery Gypsy Moth Traps, etc.) to track adult populations and reduce egg laying. This helps prepare you for what to expect as the season progress and in coming years.

Related Information:

Click below for more information on Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki & specific caterpillar species.