Following measures can be beneficial:-
Diagnosis and Identification
Caterpillars in most cases will not be visible as they mostly hide away in day times and re-appear at night to dine in. Close observation is key to controlling caterpillars. Look for any damaged leaves. This is a sign that plant is affected by caterpillars. They tend to make irregular munching patterns. If patterns are symmetric and round, these are from beetles.
First of all immediately look underneath the affected plant leaves. You might find one. If not look at the base of plant. Hoe a little and they might surface as they dwell close to surface. If still no detection try early morning or late hours/Night by torch to locate them. If they are there, they are easily picked up due larger size.
If one finds a caterpillar, that's a dead caterpillar
........relocate away from garden(if you are nature lover) or destroy manually with an object. Not with hand as some release chemicals that can cause damage or itchiness. Detection of Eggs
Caterpillars start from small eggs that are laid on plant leaves/flowers etc. If you notice wild life activity in your garden and while browsing through plants you see small black stuff on leaves/etc then these are eggs. They maybe very small to as large as quarter of a Centimeter. However you will always find quite a few eggs at one location making them easily identifiable.
Wash away with water. As eggs fall on ground they are doomed as they are not able to get to the plant again. Will be killed by ground fungus.
Remember every specie of butterfly/moth etc have special affinity for certain plant types.
Organic Control
1. Encourage/do not kill wasps they feed on caterpillars.
2. If your plants are grown up/large caterpillar damage might be insignificant.
3. Caterpillars/ slugs and snail tend to hide in the day. Place a card board at the base of plant. After feeding they will try to hide and most probably sneak under the card board from where they can be dealt with.
Chemical Control
1. Sprinkle coopex powder around the base of plant/border.
2. Sprinkle coopex powder on leaves and wet it a little so that it sticks.
3. Use specialized caterpillar pesticide if available locally.
4. Any general purpose pesticide will work. But heavy drenching will be required for it to be effecting. especially underside of the leaves.
Any further help by any member will be appreciated.
