Knowledgebase

Bugs Eating My Young Apple Trees #184025

Asked May 21, 2014, 8:43 PM EDT

Hello, I talked with Nicole of the Potter Co. extension earlier this evening about my problem with small black caterpillars eating my newly planted apple trees. They really decimated my trees last year and I'm concerned they will do worse this year. I'm attaching a pic of one I found just this evening. Any help is appreciated! Thank you.
-Geoff
Geoff M
<personal data hidden>

Tioga County Pennsylvania

Expert Response

Hi:
I can't tell from the pictures exactly what species you are dealing with. You could use a product that has Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) for them now since they are small. It is a bacterial spore and very safe to use.  You could also use a product that contains the active ingredient spinosad.  It is also very effective against caterpillars.  Hand removal is always the best method if you can reach them.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 23, 2014, 10:43 AM EDT
Thank you for your recommendations.  I'll purchase and deploy these products asap. 

Is it possible to delete my phone number from this post?

Thanks again - what an awesome resource the extensions are!  Many folks rely on the sales advice from vendors which usually results in the use of synthetic poisons and agents.  Glad I was able to utilize this resource and find an environmentally and health friendly solution.
Hope it works!
-Geoff
The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2014, 9:47 PM EDT
Hi Geoff:
I am glad you found us.  Our purpose is provide unbiased information to the public on many issues.  On a different topic, I don't know how to remove your phone number from your post. Sorry.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 28, 2014, 10:39 AM EDT

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