Azaleas and Caterpillars

SSM&JLM

The last couple years our azaleas were eaten by caterpillars.  The first year we tried some spray, but it didn't really work.  Last year I didn't even notice until it was fall b/c they ate the azaleas at the end of the row where I never look.

This year they seem to have expanded and I've got several branches w/o leaves.

What can I do? 

~NB~

What kind of caterpillars? What do they look like?

SSM&JLM

Umm, I will have to see if I can find any.  I believe they were black with white stripes.  They were sort of fuzzy looking.

~NB~

Like this?

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/tyk/2008/tyk09.html

 

SSM&JLM

~NB~:

Like this?

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/tyk/2008/tyk09.html

 

Yes, I took a pic this morning and there were almost a dozen on one bush.  Maybe the impending hurricane will get rid of them?

 

~NB~

For caterpillars smaller than 3/4 inch in length, you can spray BT (Bacillus thuringiensis), which is an organic insecticide. If they are mature you'll need a fast-kill chemical to break the life cycle quickly and prevent reinfestation.*

The safest choice would be oil or soap sprays (my personal fave), or simply picking them off and squishing them. If they're big enough to pick off, this is the recommended control method.

* Among the chemical insecticides listed for treatment are malathion, acephate, cyfluthrin, spinosad, permethrin or carbaryl. These are dangerous chemicals, be very careful with them.

SSM&JLM

Ok thanks, my plan is to get out there before the storm and get them off along with the branches they've eaten.

Is there anyway to prevent them, this seems to be an ongoing thing?

~NB~

Picking them off and killing them will go a long way toward preventing future infestations, because by killing the caterpillars, you prevent them from growing into adults that mate and lay eggs on your azaleas.