lgreen said:Yikes! Found a couple of big caterpillars on the peppers this morning!...
Pam said:Tobacco Hornworms.
If you see little white things sticking out of their backs, don't kill the caterpillar, they're parasitic wasp larvae. They'll kill the caterpillar and go infect more of them.
Pam said:Tobacco Hornworms. http://ipm.ncsu.edu/AG295/html/hornworms.htm
The parent moth laid the eggs on the plant, and they're so well camouflaged that you didn't see them until now. You can use Bt or one of the spinosads, or hand pick them.
If you see little white things sticking out of their backs, don't kill the caterpillar, they're parasitic wasp larvae. They'll kill the caterpillar and go infect more of them.
Slinter said:All you need is one of these.
My little guy used to gobble them up! If your yard is parasite free, they are worth some decent money. I paid nearly 50cents a pop for um. And yes, they sure do pop!
JavaScottC said:Hand pick em, or get lucky like me and have these guys in your yard...
Scott
Pam said:I think the distribution of the praying mantis includes Iowa, but if you don't think you have any in your yard, you can order mantis egg cases on-line. Just google for it and you'll see lots of places that sell them.