The life cycle of butterflies and moths is split into four stages; egg, caterpillar, pupa and butterfly/moth. Caterpillars are the larval stage of butterflies; they vary in size and appearance, but eat almost continuously, causing significant plant damage. Small caterpillars feed mainly on the underside of leaves. As they get larger they spread over the plant making bigger notches and holes on the leaves and caterpillars and their excrement are often detected on the plant. Some caterpillars live in the soil and feed on roots or bore into stems of plants. The most destructive caterpillars often feed only at night.
There are very few natural controls for caterpillars, however Just Green now offers a live nematode product which attacks caterpillars. The microscopic worm-like nematodes are sprayed or watered on to the foliage and caterpillars, preferably in the evening when the leaves are likely to stay wet for longer. The caterpillars die within a couple of days.
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Glue Bands are tied around fruit trees to prevent wingless female moths climbing up trees to mate and lay eggs. They should be applied in the autumn for this. The Glue Bands can also deter ants if app...» more
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* Biological pest control of caterpillars
* Non chemical control of caterpillars
* Controls many species on contact, applied directly onto caterpillars on the plant
* Can also be used against Codli...» more
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