Caterpillars
Moth and butterfly larvae that chew holes in leaves, often overnight.
What you'll see
- Irregular holes, ragged edges or whole leaves eaten, often seemingly overnight.
- Dark green to black droppings on the leaves or on the ground below.
- Caterpillars on or under leaves, such as velvety green cabbageworms or big horned hornworms on tomatoes.
- Clusters of yellow or white eggs on leaves.
Why it happens
Moths and butterflies lay eggs on the leaves the larvae feed on. Most of the damage comes from older, bigger caterpillars.
How to fix it
- Pick off caterpillars and rub off egg clusters, checking leaf undersides and at dusk.
- For young caterpillars, spray Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki) or spinosad, covering both sides of the leaves.
- Apply sprays at dusk and away from open flowers to protect pollinators.
- Use any spray exactly as the label says, and keep kids and pets away until it dries.
Keep it from coming back
- Cover cabbage-family crops with fine insect mesh that doesn't touch the leaves.
- Check plants weekly from spring and act before numbers build.
- Leave caterpillars covered in small cocoons alone: parasitic wasps are at work.
Read more
Sources
General guidance, not a diagnosis. For valuable, edible or outdoor crops, check with a local extension service or plant expert. Use any product exactly as its label says, and keep children and pets away while it dries.