Destructive Larvae of Cabbage White Butterflies Causing Havoc
Got a Cabbage White Problem? Here's the Lowdown on Organic Control
Cabbage white butterflies' caterpillars are the critters you'll find munching on your brassicas - that's kale, cauliflower, cabbage, sprouts, swede, and broccoli - and even nasturtiums! These caterpillars come in two flavors: small whites are pale green, while the large whites sport a yellow with black markings body, both measuring up to 4cm. The adult butterflies lay eggs from May to June and then again July to September, so brace yourself for these leaf-munching pests from late spring through to autumn.
Symptoms
Is your brassica looking battered with holes in the outer and inner leaves? That's likely the work of those pesky caterpillars. Nasturtiums also might bump into the action, serving as a snack spot for the little critters.
Sorter Stuff
Don't let these caterpillars ruin your garden! Here are some straightforward organic tactics to keep them at bay:
- Butterfly Blockers: Cover your plants with horticultural fleece or fine netting to keep those butterflies from reaching your greens. Regular checks are essential, though. Don't forget to pluck off any caterpillars that sneaked through.
- Handy Work: Regularly examine your plants, picking off caterpillars and eggs. Gloves are a must! Toss them in soapy water to say goodbye. Be thorough, as these guys love to hide under leaves and in crevices.
- Neem and Other Potions: Neem oil, a popular organic insecticide, works by messing with the caterpillars' hormone system, preventing them from growing into adults. Alternatively, look for products containing Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterium that produces toxic goodness for caterpillars.
- Calcium Chloride Spray: For a more targeted approach, try calcium chloride-based sprays like Grazers. These concoctions make your foliage less tasty to the caterpillars without harming cute bugs.
- Vinegar Mist: An unusual method? A light mist of vinegar and water can help. Caterpillars don't find it appealing, making it a natural repellent.
- Nasturtium Traps: Planting nasturtiums could do the trick. Some pests, including aphids, might get attracted to the nasturtiums, hopefully steering the butterflies away from your brassicas. However, this method isn't the best for directly controlling caterpillars on brassicas.
By mixing and matching these strategies, you'll keep those cabbage white caterpillars at bay without resorting to chemical warfare!
Your garden may become a sanctuary for homely delights and lush greenery, with the addition of home-and-garden care techniques such as gardening. Keep your brassica plants from being ravaged by the cabbage white caterpillars by employing organic control methods outlined in the 'Sorter Stuff' section, like utilizing butterfly blockers or incorporating Neem oil into your gardening routine.
