Cabbageworm


Cabbageworm: (Size=1-1/2 inch)
Found throughout the United States. The cabbageworm is the larva of a common white, day-flying butterfly with three to four black spots on its wings. The damage done by these caterpillars is similar to that of the cabbage looper -- large, ragged holes are chewed in the leaves of cabbages, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, and the caterpillars may bore into the heads, leaving trails of dark green frass (droppings). There are several generations per year.

Controls
Use garden fabric (row cover) in early spring as a barrier to egg-laying moths.

Spray with neem oil.

Spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), especially when catepillars are small. Be sure to direct spray to leaf undersides.

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