A Hatred Greater Than Slugs.......

[voodoo veg]

I cannot believe it but I have been in a hatred fuelled frenzy murdering caterpillars this morning...I NEVER got so worked up over the SLUGS!!!!

They were all hiding in the base of my swiss chard so I have cut back all the big leaves so I can get in to spray their little hidey holes, snipped all the ones I found(yuk!) and am on THE WARPATH!!!!!!

I feel all itchy and covered in caterpillar poo now but triumphant for the time being

[JennieAtkinson]

I picked dozens off my cabbages last night and ended up having a right old rant around the garden (nobody in the house so I had to have a go at something). I've never seen so many before. The slugs appear non-existent in comparison - never thought I'd say that

Anyone know how much longer white cabbage butterflies will be around?

[dexterdoglancashire]

Who knows Jennie? Ive got to get to grips with my caterpillar problem tomorrow - BIG style! Sprayed leaves with a very strong concoction of salt, chilli and garlic oil at the beginning of the week (it made MY eyes water!) so hopefully it will work. Weather been too bad this week here in Preston to do much, so tomorrow, come rain or shine, its gonna be a bad day if you are a caterpillar in MY garden! dexterdog

[Sunbeam]

[QUOTE I feel all itchy and covered in caterpillar poo now but triumphant for the time being[/QUOTE]
What's caterpillar poo like?

[dexterdoglancashire]

Yuck Sunbeam! dont want to know what it feels like! its bad enough having to grab the little critters off my leaves! dexterdog

[Sunbeam]

you want itchy, scratchy icky, nasty ?? Try head lice - we have been invaded!

[Alice]

Oh Sunbeam, what a shame. Children do tend to pick them up at school and if one person in the house has them EVERYBODY does. The preparations you buy in the chemist are very effective, but treat everybody in the house. Repeat the treatment as the nits will hatch out. You would think that in 2006 these little boogies would have been done away with - but no. As a nurse in the 1960's I spent my life clearing patients of lice. The problem is much less prevalent now, but still exists. Good luck. You have my sympathy.

[JennieAtkinson]

I have so much caterpillar poo I could write a book about it!

So Dexter, this salt wash - what happens to the lovely row of Chard and Parsnips alongside my caterpiller ridden Swedes when I douse it in salt? Will it harm them? Seriously wondering about pulling all the swedes up and chucking them over the fence for the sheep to eat!

[bramble]

I'm sure nobody will believe me but i have'nt seen one caterpillar this year.

[Alice]

I'm with you Bramble. I think I must be blessed. I don't have the slugs, snails, catterpillars, aphids, or other pests in any significant numbers.I don't have to use insecticides or pestcides. Now that I've fenced the pesky roe deer out ( and they were like slugs 5 feet high, munching everything in their path) I have little in the way of pests in the garden. Long may it last.

[JennieAtkinson]

Right - they got the salt yesterday and today unfortunately they are still there, but I think in fewer numbers, so I'll have to have another go.

They are also on my nasturtiums and stocks. Never seen so many up here. I suppose it has been warmer than usual and for two weeks we had no wind at all. So the butterflies have been able to fly around untouched by the usual Force 4/5.

[Filbert]

Went investigating a few little holes in my brussels and discovered an awful lot of tiny green caterpillars!! Think I got them all - but suddenly became aware of the number of white butterflies frequenting my garden. Think I might have to keep up the squishing for a while.

[dexterdoglancashire]

Think I may give in to the caterpillars! Have tried finding and squashing them but then there was the caterpillar poo - going to give them until tomorro then think I will dig up my cabbages - hopefully the brussels and broccoli will survive! Lesson learnt for next year - keep 'em covered up! Hey, its a learning process.....and boy, have I got a lot to learn! dexterdog

[wotcars]

caterpillers

Is their any good organic spray you can buy to get ride of these b****y things
my cabbage, and broccaile and cauilflower and the swedds are looking like a load of fish net stockings

[JennieAtkinson]

I gave them two lots of the salt wash and they are just still munching away! I think the swedes will have to go and some of the cabbages. As you say Dexter it is the poo rather than the leafy plants that looks so awful Thankfully have some more to plant out.