Cate in NZ Posted September 8, 2005 Share Posted September 8, 2005 Since I returned from hols I've noticed a caterpillar infestation in my greenhouse. The dratted creatures are munching their way through all my tomatoes. I keep picking them off, but everyday there's a new lot to replace those I've exterminated . They're a pale green colour & pretty hard to pick out on the foliage, although I've now stripped of almost all of the leaves, just leaving the toms in situ to ripen. They've started chewing on my aubergine foliage too, and I'm so proud of my aube's- never successfully grown them before. I'll be gutted if I end up having to throw them away because of being caterpillared. I don't know what to do. Don't want to use any chemicals really, but am slowly beginning to think that I've got to admit defeat. Has anyone got any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom and Barbara Posted September 8, 2005 Share Posted September 8, 2005 I wonder if Diatom would work on them? - dry them out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola H Posted September 8, 2005 Share Posted September 8, 2005 You can mix Diatom with water and use it as a spray......... Good luck zapping the catrerpillers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil & Sal Posted September 8, 2005 Share Posted September 8, 2005 You could most likely get some nematodes to spray on which would kill the catterpillars. Wil try to find a link for some. Used some this year on slugs at the allotment and it worked well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil & Sal Posted September 8, 2005 Share Posted September 8, 2005 Hmm, I don't think nematodes work on pillars having looked it up, but here's a link where I get my pest control stuff from. http://www.organiccatalog.com/catalog/index.php?osCsid=e9d15ab013ddeaff68e0520b77011e44 Perhaps even some insecticidal soap would work, which is still not using pesticides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted September 8, 2005 Author Share Posted September 8, 2005 I'd never thought of Diatom Thanks so much for the idea. I've actually ordered some 2 days ago for the chickens so will blast the caterpillars too. Great link for the organic gardening site thanks Neil & Sal, I'll have a proper look at that later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
