Hi I just posted this in the hornworm thread but thout it might be usefull to have in its own thread.
Experience with any of the caterpillers means I now spray my plants with a dipel solution every 3-4 weeks.. It is a biological spray that doesnt affect humans or animals but kills caterpillers by interfering with their gut. The only problem now is that big multinational seed cos are now GEing the bascillus bacterial into corn and cotton and other plants so down the track we are going to have lots of caterpillers that are resistant to dipel.
You can also collect a heap of caterpillers and blend them up in a blender, strain and spray onto your plants.
A garlic spray kills most bugs too. Crush up a cup of garlic, then put enough mineral oil ( parafin) into the cup to just cover the garlic. Leave it to soak for 24 hours. Strain out the bits and mix in equal parts( equal to the amount of parafin) of soft soap (lux, sunlight soap) or similar and water. Bottle and keep in fridge. To use it dilute at least 10 times with water and spray onto plants. Hot chilli can be added to the garlic during the parafin soak to make an extra strong brew (which helps keep pesky mammals away too). As with any homemade solution(or any new fertilizer, fungicide or pesticide) test your diluted spray on a small part of the the plant first to make sure your not hurting your pride and joy.
I use organic remedies on my plants as I like to know what I am eating.
I also use neem which is great as a pesticide and a general plant tonic.
Experience with any of the caterpillers means I now spray my plants with a dipel solution every 3-4 weeks.. It is a biological spray that doesnt affect humans or animals but kills caterpillers by interfering with their gut. The only problem now is that big multinational seed cos are now GEing the bascillus bacterial into corn and cotton and other plants so down the track we are going to have lots of caterpillers that are resistant to dipel.
You can also collect a heap of caterpillers and blend them up in a blender, strain and spray onto your plants.
A garlic spray kills most bugs too. Crush up a cup of garlic, then put enough mineral oil ( parafin) into the cup to just cover the garlic. Leave it to soak for 24 hours. Strain out the bits and mix in equal parts( equal to the amount of parafin) of soft soap (lux, sunlight soap) or similar and water. Bottle and keep in fridge. To use it dilute at least 10 times with water and spray onto plants. Hot chilli can be added to the garlic during the parafin soak to make an extra strong brew (which helps keep pesky mammals away too). As with any homemade solution(or any new fertilizer, fungicide or pesticide) test your diluted spray on a small part of the the plant first to make sure your not hurting your pride and joy.
I use organic remedies on my plants as I like to know what I am eating.
I also use neem which is great as a pesticide and a general plant tonic.