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Produce => Non Edible Plants => Topic started by: Debs on July 04, 2005, 16:33:54

Title: Solomans Seal eaten away...
Post by: Debs on July 04, 2005, 16:33:54

My Solomans Seal plant is covered in caterpillars which are

busy stripping the leaves to a bare stalk.

The caterpillars are grey coloured with a black head - I think

they are Dark Arches caterpillars.

Should I leave them to feast or take action??

Any advice gratefully received

debs
Title: Re: Solomans Seal eaten away...
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on July 04, 2005, 16:39:10
Sounds like Solomon's Seal sawfly. Soapy water should see them off.
Title: Re: Solomans Seal eaten away...
Post by: Marianne on July 04, 2005, 19:37:16
Debs

Nothing would feast on any of my plants  >:( >:(

See them off with a squirty thingy bottle and go for it!! ;D
Title: Re: Solomans Seal eaten away...
Post by: chriszog on July 05, 2005, 16:38:48
They are definatly Solomons Seal Sawfly see the post I started on Wildlife. There are some pictures on there and apparently the plant will be just as good next year.
Regards
Chriszog
Title: Re: Solomans Seal eaten away...
Post by: Debs on July 05, 2005, 17:27:17

Phew ! thanks for that Chriszog ;D

I was slightly worried...

Perhaps the Koi Carp in the pond may like a feast ;D

Debs
Title: Re: Solomans Seal eaten away...
Post by: Gardenantics on July 06, 2005, 18:34:55
Hi Debs,

Try a little shock therapy, Lay a sheet of plastic under your plants, and then shake the leaves, and the little b*****s will drop off and you can then feed em to your fish. Next year, if you see slow flying jet -black flys around the plants, then squish them, as these are about to lay eggs on your plants.

Brian
Title: Re: Solomans Seal eaten away...
Post by: Debs on July 07, 2005, 09:28:13

Thanks Gardenantics :)

Have not looked at the plant for 2-3 days, so it may not be there now :-\

Will investigate today.

Debs