I've been enjoying my spider plants on the porch this summer, but I've unfortunately got a major problem with yellow-striped army worms in one of my hanging baskets. Initially, I thought about using neem oil, but I learned that the worms' pupae could be hiding in the potting soil. I've heard that bacillus thuringiensis (BT) can help control these pests, but I'm a little uneasy about using bacteria as a pesticide. I've read that there's minimal harm, aside from some allergic reactions in a few people. Before I proceed, I'd like to know if there are any other factors to consider. Additionally, I have a few related questions:
1. Do army worm moths return to lay eggs on the same plant they hatched from? I'm confused because I have three spider plants, yet only one is infested.
2. Do army worms have any benefits beyond being food for other creatures?
3. Given the current damage to the affected plant, should I skip using neem oil even though I've already removed some caterpillars?
4. If I do decide to use neem oil, how long can I expect it to keep moths from laying new eggs, especially since the plants aren't getting rained on?
Thanks for any advice!
2 Answers
You're on the right track with BT for those army worms. It's a good option since it targets only the caterpillars without affecting other insects too much. Just ensure that you spray it directly on the affected plants.
About your questions:
1. Most moths do not favor laying eggs on the same plant they bred on. They tend to spread out to find new spots, so it’s odd you see them only on one plant.
2. They don’t really have a lot of known benefits aside from being part of the food chain, but everything has a role in the ecosystem, right?
3. As for neem oil, it's true it can be hard on already stressed plants. If the damage is visible, it might be best to skip it.
4. If you apply neem oil, it usually lasts a couple of weeks. Just monitor your plants daily for any signs of new eggs! Hope that helps!
I'd say go ahead and use BT! It's not as scary as it sounds; it's a natural bacteria that specifically targets caterpillars like your army worms. As for your worries about germs, think of it as a targeted approach to combat these pests without harming beneficial insects.
Regarding your questions, here are some thoughts:
1. Generally, army worm moths don't return to the same plant to lay eggs. They have a wide range of plants they prefer for oviposition, so it’s likely that they just picked that one spider plant.
2. Army worms primarily serve as a food source for various predators, but they can also contribute to nutrient cycling in the soil when they decompose.
3. Neem oil can stress the plant, especially if it's already been damaged. If the plant looks really beaten up, it might be better to skip it this time around.
4. Neem oil can be effective for a few weeks if the plants stay dry, but I'd recommend checking them regularly for eggs to stay on top of the problem! Good luck!
Thanks for the reassurance! I feel a bit more confident about trying BT now. I appreciate your insights!
Great advice! Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge. I'll keep an eye on my plants and see how it goes!