There are caterpillars on my crape myrtle tree. What should I use for control?

BT insecticides (Dipel, Thuricide and other brands), spinosad (various brands), permethrin (Bonide Eight and other brands) or carbaryl (Sevin, Carbaryl and other brands).

These are IO month caterpillars, and they can deliver a painful sting if you come into contact with the green spines covering the caterpillars. Be very cautious not to come into contact with them. Although you can knock those you see to the ground with a stick and step on them wearing shoes for quick control.

Although they are general feeders and will eat a variety of plants, I see them on crape myrtles most often.

Dan Gill
Consumer Horticulture Specialist