CLOSED: Work eating my hibiscus

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pheitmeyer Mesa, AZ(Zone 9b) Nov 06, 2006

haha I meant 'WORM'. I have to go out @ night to catch these things. One can eat a few leaves in no time! I wish some birds would be awake to do it for me :)

This message was edited Nov 6, 2006 12:25 PM

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ceejaytown The Woodlands, TX(Zone 9a) Nov 08, 2006

Does it move like a looper? I'm thinking it is the okra caterpillar (Anomis erosa). You're getting rid of them in the best way.

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pheitmeyer Mesa, AZ(Zone 9b) Nov 08, 2006

Yes, sure does. :( wish I had some Mantises!

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ceejaytown The Woodlands, TX(Zone 9a) Nov 08, 2006

You could try Bt - Bacillus thurengiensis if there are a lot of them. It kills only caterpillars, and birds can eat them with no ill effects. Very safe for all other insects, etc. This works when the caterpillars are small. It is not as effective when the caterpillars are in their later instars (large), and preparing for pupation.

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pheitmeyer Mesa, AZ(Zone 9b) Nov 08, 2006

CeeJay - thx for the tip. I have these things EVERYWHERE and it's driving me crazy.

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ceejaytown The Woodlands, TX(Zone 9a) Nov 09, 2006

You're welcome. That's my first line defense against the pest caterpillars. Mind you it kills ALL caterpillars that eat it. So keep it away from your butterfly garden!

It is a bacteria that breaks down the gut of the caterpillar. You just have to spray the plant leaves, and they ingest it while they dine. Don't expect them to curl up and die right away; they'll get very sick first and stop eating. Some brand names are Thuricide and Green Light Bio-Worm Killer. And there is a dust too - Dipel. Good luck!

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