Caterpillar Pest Control

[Alex Veidel]

I recently discovered a horde of armyworms (at least, I'm pretty sure that's what they are) taking up residence in my growbeds and doing a very good lawnmower imitation with my new lettuce seedlings. So far, I've just been picking them out by hand and killing them. Which is fine, my system is small enough to be able to do that. I was wondering if anyone has any idea on how to get rid of them, especially when they're small and hard to pick out. 'Cause it's not much fun waiting for them to get fat on my lettuce so I can see them to dispose of them.

One source recommended flour, because the worms will eat that, bloat and die. Diatomaceous earth was also recommended. (I feel like I should know this, but will diatomaceous earth have a negative efffect on my redworm population? I know it's okay for fish.)

Oh, and here's a picture. I highly recommend staring at it while you eat your cereal in the morning.

[Scott Roberts]

Dipel or any other Bt powder should take care of the armyworms. If you're in the US Safer brand "Garden Dust" works like a charm.

[Pat James]

I have been noticing small numbers of them in some of my beds. Usually on the beans. One of them can almost take down a small bean plant overnight. When I see damage start, I look on the underside of the leaves. I've read that you can look for egg masses which are white. I have not seen any white masses, but have seen some dark patches of eggs on the underside of some leaves.

I'm not sure how much the fish like them, but when I catch one of the little bast&@$ds I throw it into the fishtank.

[Alex Veidel]

We thought we saw some eggs on our okra plants, but it turned out to just be okra sap :)

Pat James said:

I have been noticing small numbers of them in some of my beds. Usually on the beans. One of them can almost take down a small bean plant overnight. When I see damage start, I look on the underside of the leaves. I've read that you can look for egg masses which are white. I have not seen any white masses, but have seen some dark patches of eggs on the underside of some leaves.

I'm not sure how much the fish like them, but when I catch one of the little bast&@$ds I throw it into the fishtank.

[Scott Roberts]

Armyworms are also susceptible to Spinosad and Neem Oil.  Some reports say better than Bt.

[Alex Veidel]

Spinosad. I've got some of that lying around, for some reason I didn't think of it. I'm gonna give it a try. Thanks!

Scott Roberts said:

Armyworms are also susceptible to Spinosad and Neem Oil.  Some reports say better than Bt.

[Rob Nash]

i use spinosad mixed with safer soap. .for the ones in the media, I would go with DE with a little flour mixed in it... my understanding is that DE wont harm the worms.  I love  the idea of them exploding!

[Alex Veidel]

Hehehehehe, I know, me too :D

Rob Nash said:

i use spinosad mixed with safer soap. .for the ones in the media, I would go with DE with a little flour mixed in it... my understanding is that DE wont harm the worms.  I love  the idea of them exploding!