Inchworm Infestation

[Tony Price]

I am having a real problem with inchworms in my greenhouse. My tomatoes and bell pepper plants and even a poinsettia are being ravaged by inchworms. I'd prefer to keep any solution organic and I've just applied a treatment of Dr. Earth but I'm not optimistic of its success.

Advice is very welcome. How do I eradicate these voracious feeders?

 

[Chuck]

I am having a real problem with inchworms in my greenhouse. My tomatoes and bell pepper plants and even a poinsettia are being ravaged by inchworms. I'd prefer to keep any solution organic and I've just applied a treatment of Dr. Earth but I'm not optimistic of its success.

Advice is very welcome. How do I eradicate these voracious feeders?

The very best way of dealing with caterpillars is to use Bt (Bacillus thuringensis). It is totally organic and comes under many names but I suppose the easiest to to find is GreenLight Bio Worm Killer.. Just ask at any nursery. Even the big box stores carry it but under a different name. One application and every caterpillar is dead within 24 hours. It only kills caterpillars. The best all around caterpillar and insect killer is made with a product named Spinosad. It also comes under many different brand names. It takes spinosad about 48 hours to kill caterpillars

 

[Tony Price]

Would neem oil be necessary or even beneficial?

 

[Chuck]

Would neem oil be necessary or even beneficial?

Neem has little if any effect on caterpillars. Neem is best used on scale insects and as a fungicide although many folks use it as their main insecticide. Spinosad is much better as an all around insectcide

 

[Tony Price]

Thanks for the info, Chuck. That helps me a lot. The funny thing is in the fall I saw three or four moths flying around the greenhouse and didn't give it much of a thought. I'll know next time.