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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. |
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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.
Best ten plants for
butterflies
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