Topic: Caterpillars on Swede leaves

[brian4951]

Somehow I've got a mini infestation of caterpillars on the leaves of my swedes even though they have been netted. Apart from checking every leaf  and removing them by hand, is there a safe spray I can use to get rid of them?  I don't like using chemicals but needs must I think in this instance as some of the plants just have chewed up stalks

[kt.]

I sprayed all mine with BUG CLEAR today.  Caterpillars where everywhere on my swede leaves.  Hopefully the caterpillars will all be dead when I check tomorrow.....

[telboy]

KT,
Great believer in 'BUG CLEAR'.
Run out , where does one buy it now, can't find?
Not another banned product?

[ceres]

It's on the way out telboy but you should still be able to find it for now.  The CRD issued a notice on 11 Aug about the rescinding of approvals for all amateur and professional use products with the active ingredient bifenthrin (includes Bug Clear).  The dates are not firm yet but are expected to be around April 2010 for advertisement, sale and supply and April 2011 for using up/disposing of it.  Stock up now.

[brian4951]

Hi Guys, thanks for the info. I don't know where you live, but my local B&Q is clearing out Bug Clear at £5.00 a go. I'm just outside Southampton. I'll go over and grab 2 or 3. By the way, It doesn't say anything about using it on swede on the packet. I presume it's safe  as you have used it. Cheers, Brian

[doglover]

I have caterpillars all over my brassicas. Never seen so many. My kale is totally eaten away. any ideas to get rid of them and prevent future invasions. All are covered with netting.

[Digeroo]

I did not cover most of my brassocas but did a lot of egg squishing - every few of days for two weeks.  Those under netting did worst. 

Once there is the caterpillar stage I just fold over the leaf and squish.  Not keen on this procedure prefer squishing eggs but then poisons are worse. 

Seems the local wasps then have a field day, nothing left by the next day.  Pity they do not do something useful and attack them while they are still alive.

[telboy]

Thanks ceres for the info. on the 'pesticide police'.
Found a supply on the internet but as usual the 'profiteering b*****ds' have found a money making niche out of us poor veg. growers.
Heh ho.

[telboy]

Ceres,
Found an internet supplier & ordered.
GREAT!!!!!! The Effing postal workers have done their duty.
Have now been waiting 3 weeks & no delivery.
Hey ho again!!!!!!!!

[ceres]

Post here has been all to pot for about a week now too.  Has the supplier confirmed it has been posted?  I ordered off eBay recently and the seller blamed postal strikes for non-delivery when there were no strikes.  They hadn't sent it.  I only got it when I raised a Paypal claim. 

[telboy]

Ceras,
It was an 'Amazon' purchase.
Did contact them & received the 'postalprobs' reply.
Amazon debited my account @ order time. No probs there then.
In there coffers!!!!
Great innit????