Worms on my squash

Spicytigger · Jun 3, 2015

Hey guys, I'm trying my yellow crook neck squash again this year. They keep getting those little green worms with white pinstripes on their sides. The ones that cocoon themselves by folding the leaves over closed with their silks (I don't know what they are called and can't find them on google). They eat the crap out of my plants every time. This year I put a mosquito netting over the top of them to keep them at bey, but not before they attacked them. Is there any specific insecticide to use on them to keep them off? I live in hot and humid south Florida if that helps. Any help would be appreciated even just the name of the little F#@%#s.

Thanks
Angie

Rairdog · Jun 3, 2015

Gardensafe Bt works great on all catipillars. Go easy on it and target where they are so your keep the parasitic wasps happy.

pepper_rancher · Jun 4, 2015

YES! Kills the hell out of caterpillars. Use as directed:

Proud Marine Dad · Jun 5, 2015

Just make sure to spray it in the evening as UV light degrades BT.

pepper_rancher said:
YES! Kills the hell out of caterpillars. Use as directed:

But only if they ingest it.

Spicytigger · Jun 7, 2015

They are actively eating... I'm constantly pulling 1-2 off every other day with just a quick glance at plants (looking for fresh poop). Got it yesterday so will be trying it out today. Thanks guys

pepper_rancher · Jun 8, 2015

Get one of these to make your life easier. You can use a regular spray bottle but this is the way to go! (P.S. sorry these pictures are so big, im just linking to pictures from Amazon)

Proud Marine Dad · Jun 8, 2015

If you can afford it I highly recommend you buy one of these Chapin sprayers.
You will never habe to buy another one as every part on this sprayer is brass or steel except for the wand holder on the side of the tank which is plastic.
I love mine.

Chapin Industrial 3.5-Gallon Viton Concrete Open Head Sprayer 1949 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002N8O8/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_VRGDvb1K2C9K9

Spicytigger · Jun 9, 2015

Pepper_rancher I have that one but with an extended arm so I can do it at a distance. I love it.

PMD I don't need anything that big, I have a small crop. I had to cut the amounts down on the spray because 2ltrs left way to much leftover.

Angie

Proud Marine Dad · Jun 9, 2015

Spicytigger said:
Pepper_rancher I have that one but with an extended arm so I can do it at a distance. I love it.

PMD I don't need anything that big, I have a small crop. I had to cut the amounts down on the spray because 2ltrs left way to much leftover.

Angie

That's cool Angie. I use mine to water, spray BT, mist leaves, etc.