Paph Reverend Canon Mari

[Roberta]

BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) works well on caterpillars, and is harmless to everything else (adult insects such as bees, humans, pets) . Most pesticides better to wait until there's a noticeable need, to not put them into the environment to generate resistance. But BT might be a good idea if you see the adult moths etc. to get ahead of them.

[RJSquirrel]

I'll remember that and look for it. I use the Amdro (0rthene) for fire ants and I spray the lawn with that and on occasion the orchids too. I havent sprayed any this year bec its been dry as a bone.

BUT, Amdro kills, Aphids, Armyworms, Bagworms, Budworms, Cankerworms, Cuban
Laurel Thrips, Flower Thrips, Gypsy Moth, Lace Bugs, Leaf Beetles, Leafhoppers,
Leaf Miners, Leafrollers, Leaftiers, Loopers, Mealybugs, Pine Tip Moth, Sawflies,
Spittlebugs, Scale (crawlers), Spider Mites, Tent Caterpillars, Webworms, Whitefly,
and other listed leaf eating caterpillars and worms and it stinks too.
I do see BT is for the organic gardener and might be better for me in the long run. Havent used the Amdro yet. Need to go shopping today anyway..Thanks for the tip.

[RJSquirrel]

these are monsters. they even try to beat you up and attack the shovel. Tossed him over the fence and let him eat weeds. This is a hawk moth caterpillar. Cant tell what type but they are often referred to generally as tobacco horn worms or tomato horn worms. They will eat everything you have. The cats had this one bouncing it around. They can be toxic and cause illness if ingested. Im ill jus looking at it, and surprised the cats arent foaming at the mouth..ugh!!

[Roberta]

Yikes! Texas-sized!

[RJSquirrel]

ever met a bug to big to squish? This is one and why I tossed him over the fence.

I was gonna put my hand out there for reference and that thing was crazed Im telling ya. Fear Factor material.


Thanks for the heads up on the BT. Gonna find some now. I get em next time without having to pick em up.