Caterpillars & Pigeons!!

[Richelind]

How do I stop pigeons and caterpillars eating my cauliflower and cabbage plants other than with netting

[Lesley Jay]

Hi Richelind, welcome to the grapevine. The only successful way I know is to use netting. Make sure that the netting reaches the ground otherwise the pigeons walk underneath and don't let it touch the leaves because the butterfly can still lay its eggs on the leaves.

[SueA]

Hi Richelind, I agree that netting is the best policy but if you want to keep the butterflies off make sure it is fine enough or they wriggle in, I've sometimes found butterflies which have found their way in & can't get out. Other than that you could try bird scarers such as CDs tied onto string over the plot but pigeons can get used to these. You could also check each cabbage etc. & rub off any eggs or caterpillars you find but this might be a bit laborious if you have a lot!

[sewer rat]

Shoot them - at least shoot the pigeons -I always waste too many bullets trying to hit the butterflies

[SueA]

It's a wonder you've got any bullets left at all Rat with all the things you recommend shooting-pigeons, moles, cats, deer, rats( isn't that infanticide or something for you?).

[dwrudd]

I cannot imagine why shooting a little home movie would stop the pigeons,
are they camera shy? or have they signed the usual Hello magazine contract not to appear anywhere else

Either way, copyright laws must be observed don't you think

Darren

[leona]

i luckily have 3 dogs, one of whom is always on bird patrol. on the rare occasion that he is asleep somewhere away from the door, all i have to do is shout 'dudley, get the bird!' and he goes charging out barking like mad so sees them off. i have a terrier now, i will try to teach her to see of flutterbys.

[SueA]

Forgot rabbits as well, Rat. What does Iona think about your forms of pest control? Or is she being brought up to be a true hunting,fishing,shooting girl?

[Green Great]

Before the catrpillars have emerged you should try to remove most of the butterflies eggs which have been layed on the underside of the leaves.

[Jaxom]

These days my fingers get quite green... its all the squashed insects and bugs. Must try to stop biting my nails too

[julie williamson]

I have heard from one old boy that putting sticks in at an angle amongst cabbages and sprouts deters pigeons.. .). the odd angle puts them off landing!(and netting as well of course! we are inundated with pigeons and doves this year..