{"id":950,"date":"2019-05-07T08:58:50","date_gmt":"2019-05-07T13:58:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northtexasvegetablegardeners.com\/blog\/?p=950"},"modified":"2020-04-25T09:18:25","modified_gmt":"2020-04-25T14:18:25","slug":"using-bt-bacillus-thuringiensis-to-control-caterpillars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northtexasvegetablegardeners.com\/blog\/2019\/05\/07\/using-bt-bacillus-thuringiensis-to-control-caterpillars\/","title":{"rendered":"Using BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) to Control Caterpillars"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"caterpillar<\/a>
caterpillar poop (frass)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Seeing signs that caterpillars (I lazily call them worms) are eating up your vegetable plant?<\/p>\n

Before going to the ‘spray to kill’ route, let’s think through a few other options first.<\/p>\n

Did you know hornworms glow (iridescent) when a black light<\/a> is shined on them?\u00a0 It may feel a little strange to work in your garden at night, but a few trips with a special flashlight might be enough to resolve the problem.<\/p>\n

Beneficial wasps<\/a> – tiny little wasps that kill caterpillars?\u00a0 That is really a thing!\u00a0 Keep in mind these little guys are the first to be killed if insecticides are sprayed nearby.<\/p>\n

Attract birds – have a small birdhouse and perches near your garden gives birds a place to hang out and watch for food.\u00a0 Birds love fat caterpillars.<\/p>\n

Sacrificial crops – if you have the space plant some plants just for the caterpillars to enjoy.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>If you decide to use a pesticide, one of the most environmentally friendly ones is BT, Bacillius thuringiensis<\/a>.\u00a0 This is a spray that causes a caterpillar’s digestive system to shut down when eaten.\u00a0 It only affects caterpillars, so it is considered safe to use since it doesn’t harm other critters.\u00a0 A few things to keep in mind with this product:<\/p>\n