Bougainvillia "droppings" on leavesare these bad news?

Mid-Cape, MA(Zone 7a)

The enclosed photo of a leaf from my bougainvilla container plant was taken today. The plant was recently brought inside for the winter. I'm finding these little black "pellets" on several leaves. I have also seen a few chewed leaves (from the outside margins.)
What are they and what should I do? Is Neem any use?
Thanks in advance.

Thumbnail by CapeCodGardener
Bay City, MI(Zone 6a)

I always associate droppings like that with caterpillars. If others confirm it as correct, then neem would be effective. Pure, cold-pressed neem is much superior to other products that contain neem oil in various altered forms.


Al

Mid-Cape, MA(Zone 7a)

Quoting:
Pure, cold-pressed neem is much superior to other products that contain neem oil in various altered forms.

Thank you, Al. How do I know if it's pure cold-pressed Neem oil? Does it say so on the label?

Mid-Cape, MA(Zone 7a)

Quoting:
I always associate droppings like that with caterpillars.

I think you're right, Al. I just found a 3/4 inch worm on a leaf. Not particularly large--kind or skinny in fact--but a WORM!

Thanks!

zone 6a, KY

You can always catch them and throw them outside. I had some hatch on my brugmansia, caught 4 one day, and the 5th (I didn't see that day) folded a leaf around itself in a cocoon. I was going to leave it alone, but don't actually know if its still there...

Bay City, MI(Zone 6a)

CCG - If you do a search for 'Dyna-Gro Neem Oil', you'll have found the most commonly purchased and most widely available brand of cold pressed virgin oil. ..... white container - black graphics.

Al

Mid-Cape, MA(Zone 7a)

AL, I did just as you suggested and now have a bottle of Dyna-Gro Neem Oil winging its way to me.
Thank you so much for the help. I saw more little worms today so your advice was very timely. So glad I asked this forum for help.

Bay City, MI(Zone 6a)

Good luck - Take good care.

Al

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