Tussock worms

Discussion in 'Plant Pests, Diseases and Weeds' started by 2nd Floor Garden, Jun 22, 2018.

  1. 2nd Floor Garden

    2nd Floor Garden New Seed

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    What is the most effective way to rid a rose bush of these pests [​IMG]
     
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  3. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    Tussock caterpillars become moths after they eat a while. Do not try to pick them up, their hairs have a powerful sting.
    Is it just the one or do you have a crowd defoliating the rose? You could knock them off into a bucket of soapy water or there is a spray specifically for caterpillars that will not harm bees or other beneficial critters.
     
  4. 2nd Floor Garden

    2nd Floor Garden New Seed

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    There are masses of them. They've eaten pretty much everything on the bushes. I'm worried about someone getting hurt as it is by a walkway, other wise I would just wait and let them go to moths.

    What is the spray called?
     
  5. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    I don't know the name of it, you could call a garden center (not necessarily a big box store) to ask if they have a name and the product.

    I found one on Amazon called Safer, I also read your can sprinkle BT on the ground and when the caterpillars crawl through it it dries out their insides.
     
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2018
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