Caterpillars

Insect Identification

Images

Caterpillar

Damage

Caterpillars are capable of consuming a significant amount of both fruit and vegetation. Even though their camouflage is effective which makes it hard to see, the damage to the plants and fruit should be obvious.

Affected Plants

Nearly all plants are affected by caterpillars.

Management

Caterpillars come in all sizes with some more visible than others.  Unless there is a severe infestation on your plants or you keep encountering large numbers of extremely small caterpillars, physical removal should suffice.  Control techniques are listed in order of effectiveness.

Physical removal

  • The best way to control the caterpillar is to physically remove it from the plant and destroy it using whatever means you are most comfortable with.

Predators

  • Wasps are common predators of caterpillars.  It is important to allow wasps to continue to live in and around the gardens to help keep caterpillar populations in check.
  • Birds regularly consume caterpillars.  There are a wide variety and number of birds that call Rose Tree Park their home.  Planting seeding plants such as flowers will help keep their populations high.

Insecticides

Further Reading