small blue and white caterpillers

[Davyburns]

I have 2 types of lettuce in a cold frame, Lambs lettuce, and little gems, about 3 weeks ago, I noticed one or two holes in the leaves of my little gems, then they got bigger then suddenly the Lambs is full of holes. On close inspection I have found a few 1 centimeter long blue and white catterpillars. Anyone know what they are, and how to get rid of them?
Thanks

[Capsid]

A picture would help with identification. I'd try and pick them off and squish them or chuck them on the lawn where the birds will find them. The centre of the lettuce should be relatively untouched and still good to eat.

[Davyburns]

A picture would help with identification. I'd try and pick them off and squish them or chuck them on the lawn where the birds will find them. The centre of the lettuce should be relatively untouched and still good to eat.

They appear green in the pic, but there really greeny blue

[Capsid]

Hmm, sorry, I can't tell as they aren't in focus. I'd remove them anyway, and they look big enough to pick off by hand.

[Davyburns]

After a bit of research it seems like they are cabbage loopys, the larvae of a brown or green moth,
Ang the solution seems to be Bacillus thuringiensis, but at £24 a jar, its worth mor than my lettuces. anyon got a cheaper solution?

[binley100]

Yea pick them offand squish them or feed them to the birds. Doesn't cost anything apart from your time

[Davyburns]

squisshed 8 today, and removed 70+ eggs, why do I get the feeling this will be a never ending battle? What about soapy water? I read somewhere that after picking them off, a humane way of killing them, would be to drop them into soapy water. Would watering the lettuces with the aforesaid soapy water have any effect?

[OllieMartin]

Netting is the only way to win the battle really. However, you'll probably need to make sure there are absolutely no eggs in there before you net or you'll just ensure they can ONLY eat your lettuces.

[Davyburns]

Got some "Ultimate Bug Killer" spray from Wilkinsons yesterday, and sprayed all my affected areas last night, and theres no sign of any infestation this morning.
So heres hoping!!