| I just planted oleander and now my neighbors tell me that they breed caterpillars. Is that fact or fiction? I love their beauty and aroma but do not want to be beset by these pests. |
| consume great numbers of leaves; however, if the plant is otherwise healthy, new leaves will be produced and the plant will continue to grow. Long term, there will be no evidence the plant ever had a problem. So to spray or not to spray for oleander caterpillars has to do with a person's tolerance level. If you can't tolerate the temporary aesthetic damage caused by oleander caterpillars, you can spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Dipel), which targets caterpillars. (Remember that B.t. will harm any type of caterpillar, even those of desirable butterflies.) When using any pesticide, always follow the label directions and precautions. For more information on oleander caterpillars, you can contact Larry Williams, Extension Agent I, Horticulture Okaloosa Extension Service, University of Florida, (850) 689-5727 consume great numbers of leaves; however, if the plant is otherwise healthy, new leaves will be produced and the plant will continue to grow. Long term, there will be no evidence the plant ever had a problem. So to spray or not to spray for oleander caterpillars has to do with a person's tolerance level. If you can't tolerate the temporary aesthetic damage caused by oleander caterpillars, you can spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Dipel), which targets caterpillars. (Remember that B.t. will harm any type of caterpillar, even those of desirable butterflies.) When using any pesticide, always follow the label directions and precautions. For more information on oleander caterpillars, you can contact Larry Williams, Extension Agent I, Horticulture Okaloosa Extension Service, University of Florida, (850) 689-5727 |
