[Kevin G]

I've got some window boxes of annual Nasturtiums that are just coming into bloom, and the leaves have been decimated. When I inspected the plants there were green caterpillars on the stems (and a few small snails), but on the undersides of the leaves were little yellow spots, dozens all grouped in a circular area...are these something altogether different or are they the caterpillar eggs? Any ideas? Thanks...

[verge]

[James Kilkelly, was GPI.]

It sounds like you have got caterpillar eggs to me too, Kevin G.
They a usually yellowish orange.
Its not surprising you would have caterpillars as the annual Nasturtiums are very lush and juicy.
If you get a chance take pic of the "yellow spots", then I will confirm my theory.

I know I keep telling all the members to take and post pictures of their plants, pests etc. There is a method to my madness though.
(1) The person with the query will get an accurate response to their question.
I see it time and time again on other forums, pics generate interest and replies.
(2) Irish gardeners then has a visual record to guide other members with a similar problem.
Thanks.

[Kevin G]

Thanks for the help! I've since trimmed off the affected leaves and got rid of the problem...if they come back GPI I'll be sure to send you a snap!

[Kevin G]

"The Eggs" And now for the next one..."The Beast"
The Caterpillar is stretched out to his full length of about 35-40mm or 1.5 inches....if I get many more of these I will have to apply for a Herd Number!

[James Kilkelly, was GPI.]

Good informative pics Kevin G.
I like the matchstick for scale.
If any new members want to see some caterpillar eggs they can now view your post.

[Kevin G]

I hope the only Eggs anyone does see will be in the post and not on their plants!

[spider]

I also have the same catepillar and eggs , but they are eating my cabbage and broccolli . I cant cut all the effected leaves off any ideas people.
And how do i stop them from reinfecting again

[James Kilkelly, was GPI.]

Hand picking of the catepillars/eggs followed by squishing or drowning in salty water is effective if you have the stomach for the task, and provided its not acres of cabbage and broccolli.
If you don't fancy picking you can also spray the plants with a home made organic and safe option of 1 tablespoon of salt into 2 litres of water with a squirt of washing up liquid, which you can then spray onto the caterpillars and all over the leaves.
This may kill some of them and stun the others which will then fall from the plants.
Ready to be swept up with dustpan and brush or eaten by the birds.

This is good occasionally, but I would not go overboard on it as too much salt can damage your soil.

You may be able to source some caterpillar spray here..... Spray




To stop them from "reinfecting" again see here about netting....... Don't let Caterpillars Conquer your garden.

[spider]

thanks gpi .simple thing as salt , and here i was thinking of going to the chemist for some fancy chemical

[inishindie]

Hi

Try garlic spray on the veggie patch....

Garlic spray is great for getting rid of pests such as wireworms, slugs, caterpillars and weevils. Chop 3oz (75g) of garlic and mix with two teaspoons full of mineral oil. Leave for twenty-four hours to let the garlic soak in to the oil. After this time, add a pint (575ml) of water into which two teaspoons of soft soap have been added. Stir thoroughly and strain into plastic containers to store. To use, dissolve one part of this mixture to twenty parts of water. Spray this on to the leaves of affected vegetables and also treat the soil around the plants.

Cheers

Ian