A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion Plant pests and problems Green worm/caterpillar invasion

Every year I battle these little green worms....they attack my petunias and geraniums. I used to use a product called Dupel Dust on them that worked okay, but it is no longer available where I live (CA). I am including a picture below of a little worm in action...if anyone recognizes this worm and has some suggestions on getting rid of it I would GREATLY appreciate it.

Thanks,
Laura

such a small little critter to cause so much damage, huh?

I've seen them before but I don't know what they are. I guess they've never caused me much trouble?

IF no gets back to you or you get impatient try googling worm or caterpillar and the name of the plant it likes to eat. I found this a really great way to research worms and caterpilliars! hopefully, someone will be around soon that knows what it is off the top of their heads. (just wanted to throw this sugguestion in since I saw your post there....posts do get buried sometimes.)

I found this online. Might be worth a try. Ferti-lome has an organic product on the market called ‘Borer, Bagworm, Leaf miner & Tent Caterpillar Spray’ that works for worms on petunias and geraniums.

I'm surprised you can't find dipel. You might need to call some of the larger nurseries. There is a liquid for of it called Thuricide, (bacillus thurengiensis), it's the same but easier to use in a sprayer. Or just ask for B.T., a good nurseryman will know what that is.

ARGH! I've lost another $200 worth of SuperWave petunias again this year to this critter - the geranium (or tobacco) budworm. Here in Co it's rampant, esp this year with unusually wet spring. Also, I lived on the edge of a greenbelt with loads of big old cottonwood trees. I think the bugs blow in on the cotton which has an oily surface and coats the stems of the flowers. I tried antibacterial soap and water spray, then used a Bt (don't ask, can't spell the latin term) dust (Dipel). Come to find out I should have used a Bt spray. Would love to give up but I'm a diehard. They were so gorgeous, trailing and heaped up nice and thick. Anybody have luck with Neem oil? Any and all help gratefully appreciated! Thanks all, and good luck Laura! Let me know what you've tried.