Q & A

Welcome to the Planet Natural Garden Forum! Whether you’re new to gardening or have been at it for some time, here you can search existing messages for answers to your questions or post a new message for others to reply to. If this is your first visit, please read over our forum instructions carefully before posting. Enjoy!

  • What’s best to control caterpillars on marijuana plants?

    Created by Russ on October 25, 2018 at 10:35 am

    Hello –

    White moths and their caterpillars are destroying my cannabis crop despite using Bt-k … any suggestions to control them?

  • Author
    Posts
  • November 7, 2018 at 12:31 pm #293550

    Eric Vinje
    Keymaster

    Hi Russ –

    Leaf eating caterpillars can be quite ​a problem in ​outdoor garden​s​ if not taken care of! Caterpillars are the larval stage of the insect order lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), butterflies​ lay their eggs​ on host plants​, which​ hatch when the egg’s environmental conditions are met​ — usually 2-3 weeks later​.

    One of the most effective products for getting rid of caterpillars is Monterey B.t., when applied correctly. Mix 1 to 1-1/2 Tbsp per gallon of water and apply when worms or caterpillars are first noticed, then repeat at five to seven day intervals while they are active. Apply thoroughly to top and bottom foliage​ and reapply after heavy rains. Pyrethrin ​sprays will also work well to control them.

    One of our favorite pyrethrin products is Monterey Take Down, it ​​combines the fast knockdown of pyrethrin and the residual activity of canola oil. A natural alternative to Dursban, ​Take Down​ works on a large number of insects both indoors and out. Kills ALL stages of insects, including eggs and breaks down quickly in the environment. Although pyrethrin can have harmful effects on beneficial insects.

    Hope this helps!

  • Author
    Posts

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.