Recently I was asked to identify a caterpillar that was
eating a summer squash. (from last year)
They are a slender little job and have lengthwise white and
green stripes. A mature one is about an inch long. This caterpillar stands out
but the adult does even more so. The
adult moth is a little less than an inch in size. The wings are silverish and
on its posterior, is a peculiar little “bobble”. A very distinct moth that you
will remember when you see one. Here is a link to some pictures.
This is a recent arrival to West Texas. The first I saw it
was 2 years ago. A fellow at market who has been gardened in West Texas for a
very long time had not seen it before 2 years ago also.
This bug is from Central and South America. Somehow like so
many other critters it too has found a foot hold in South Florida, where it
lives year-round.
As spring comes to the continental US they begin to migrate
northward, with each new generation for that given year, they move North and
West. By the middle of August, it is knocking on our doorstep. (I am not sure
it may have a year-round foot hold in South Texas)
These guys lay their eggs on Cucurbit leaves and when they
hatch begin to feast. They mature quite rapidly and will begin to feed on the
fruits. They can be very devastating if left un checked.
These are just another of many troublesome critters that
feed on this family of plants. A short list of the meaner ones are cucumber
beetles and squash bugs which by the middle of August if they have gone
unchecked are also wreaking their own special havoc on the cucurbits.
What to do? Because this is a moth Bt is very effective at
controlling this bug. But insects can build up immunity to the constant use of
Bt. There are other pesticides that will work and control all three of these
critters at the same time.
Cold pressed neem oil (not clarified hydrophobic) will
control both the caterpillar and the squash bug but is not very good at
controlling cucumber beetles. Mixing cold pressed with karanja oil (50 / 50) will
achieve greater success with all three. There also is a new organic approved
pesticide that is formulated from soil born bacteria called Mycotrol .
Before using ANY pesticide Even organic ones be sure to read
the instruction packet that comes with the said pesticide and wear appropriate
protection.
Because of the lack of a winter, this year has the potential
to be one bug after the another all year.
Good luck and happy gardening.
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