Southern pink moth - Ask Extension
I think I gave a southern pink moth infestation. I just found that these are a newly introduced species, and I found these in my garden over a year ag...
Knowledgebase
Southern pink moth #809193
Asked September 02, 2022, 1:04 PM EDT
I think I gave a southern pink moth infestation. I just found that these are a newly introduced species, and I found these in my garden over a year ago. I think now I've figured out why a lot of my plants, esp., my salvias aren't blooming! Can I get rid of these without using pesticides?
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Yes, it does look like the southern pink moth. The caterpillars feed on salvia flowers and buds (and perhaps basil as well).
It is a relatively recent invasive pest in the Portland area. The Oregon Department of Agriculture is interested in learning where infestations are, especially outside of the east Portland area. Their contact and additional information on the moth are in this article: https://www.oregon.gov/oda/shared/Documents/Publications/IPPM/SouthernPinkMothPestAlert.pdf.
There are predatory insects that will feed on the caterpillars. Also, you can simply check your plants and cutoff infested buds and flowers. Another option is to apply a Bacillus thuringiensis spray - it's a bacterial toxin that only affects caterpillars. If you use a Bt spray, it is best to apply it in the evening as sunlight breaks it down. Applying it in the evening gives a longer window of time for the caterpillars to ingest a lethal dose.
https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/mgmetro/2020/09/01/southern-pink-moth-pyrausta-inornatalis/#:~:text=A%20more%20direct%20control%20method,reduce%20the%20next%20season's%20population.
The Bt option is probably the best option for preserving your flowers. Moths will continue to fly in from neighboring areas and lay more eggs on your plants.
It is a relatively recent invasive pest in the Portland area. The Oregon Department of Agriculture is interested in learning where infestations are, especially outside of the east Portland area. Their contact and additional information on the moth are in this article: https://www.oregon.gov/oda/shared/Documents/Publications/IPPM/SouthernPinkMothPestAlert.pdf.
There are predatory insects that will feed on the caterpillars. Also, you can simply check your plants and cutoff infested buds and flowers. Another option is to apply a Bacillus thuringiensis spray - it's a bacterial toxin that only affects caterpillars. If you use a Bt spray, it is best to apply it in the evening as sunlight breaks it down. Applying it in the evening gives a longer window of time for the caterpillars to ingest a lethal dose.
https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/mgmetro/2020/09/01/southern-pink-moth-pyrausta-inornatalis/#:~:text=A%20more%20direct%20control%20method,reduce%20the%20next%20season's%20population.
The Bt option is probably the best option for preserving your flowers. Moths will continue to fly in from neighboring areas and lay more eggs on your plants.
