Best caterpillar killer?

[SaraJean]

Y’all... I am having a terrible caterpillar infestation this year. Something hatched in the balcony baskets above me (either mine or my neighbors) and those voracious feeders have destroyed 5 orchids and eaten new growths and spikes off of at least a dozen others. Not to mention the damage to the roots and leaves on the rest. I need something that will work on these and work fast. I have tried picking them off but I am still finding anywhere between 5-15 a day, and only after they strip an orchid if it’s leaves overnight. They are small, dark caterpillars, not the big fat green ones you find on tomatoes

Ideally, I would like to use something that will not kill the frogs and lizards that inhabit my courtyard. I also need something that can work in my high temperatures (Neem based products seem to burn everything this time of the year). All debris has been cleared from both balconies but I’m still finding them. Any suggestions?

[camille1585]

If you want something safe for other fauna, you can try a BT based product that targets caterpillars. (Not all BT are the same, the protein varies and binds to different receptors, and so different target insect groups). I have no idea how it reacts when applied in hot conditions though.

[Ray]

I agree with Camille on the proper BT, but that's a long-term fix. Short term, consider Hot Pepper Wax, or some homemade version, as a repellent.