Caterpillars - now what?

[pinkchick]

I noticed some holes on my leaves and thought - stupid me - that I spilled some water and therefore got localized burn. Ahem. Today I took a closer look - and yes, I have a bunch of green caterpillars eating my plants. :( I collected all that I could find and shook the plants rather visciously - I hope I got all of them, but I doubt it. So - what pest repellent works best?

[brookerosebud]

look up "safer's insecticidal soap."

oh, hell, i'm bored, i'll do it for you.

http://www.treehelp.com/shopping/product-detail.asp?Product_ID=2212

there you go, you're all set. if you have buds, don't spray them too heavilly, as excess moisture can cause mildew. (i just spray the bugs themselves)

love, brooke

[pinkchick]

Thanks - I'll try to get that here in Germany. Another trip to the growshop... :D

[alba22]

Use BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) available at any nursery/garden store

[Storm Crow]

Use BT- it's a disease of catterpillars. Shuts down their guts. It is harmless to birds and warm blooded animals. Cheap and easy to get (I once picked up some from the dollar store!) it is one of the better ways to kill plant eating bugs. I have read reports where the Safer's soap has damaged plants.

[Jules222]

I found some brown buds and a caterpillar. First I sprayed with Neem. Nothing. Then, I read about BT. Worked. But how much spraying should I do? I've sprayed twice. No more brown buds (they were small). But I can't find info on how much spray to use. Plants not infested yet but want to avoid. Any info very welcome.:rasta:

[hydrojnos]

I have the yellow caterpillars and used safer soap- it didn't do a darn thing to them. I've been having to check my babies every 3 or 4 hours and see if I still have any. I found 1 last nite. I'm gonna crush up a whole garlic and make a spray with it. Garlic runs off just about everything. I would use neem oil but I run out. If you find something that works for sure let me know.