Caterpillar damage on Plants. Perennials, Annuals, Shrubs, Trees, Fruit and Vegetables

Caterpillars generally live on vegetable matter - ie leaves, flowers, stems, roots, tubers etc etc. So for practical considerations, caterpillars are seen as a bit of a severe garden pest that have to be controlled.

However, against that, bear in mind that some caterpillars are the young of some beautiful butterflies and moths. This being the case, it is a little hypocritical to plant insect attracting plants and shrubs such as the Buddleia - butterfly bush - in order to attract butterflies to your garden, then destroy the offspring - caterpillars.

A good balance can normally be attained by recognising the caterpillars/butterflies that are the real garden pests - the cabbage White for instance, and perhaps those that you can tolerate for their beauty - such as the Elephant Hawkmoth.

Most caterpillars can be controlled, simply by picking them off the damaged plant, others will need a little bit more severe treatment by chemical spray - Bifenthrin is good as a contact spray. It has to be sprayed on the caterpillars direct. Be sure not to spray when plants are in flower and attracting beneficial insects. Spray in early evening when such insects are less active.

Damage is normally to the edges of leaves, but also sometimes to the inner parts of the leaves. There are several moths and butterflies which are a severe problem, and will need chemical treatment.

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