Should I Use Neem or BT First for Cabbage Loopers and Aphids?
Asked by GardenerGal58
I'm currently battling cabbage loopers and aphids on my plants. I know there's some debate about whether to spray neem oil or BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) first. My readings suggested it's best to wait a few days between treatments. Yesterday, a cabbage looper wreaked havoc on one of my kale plants which was about 7 inches tall and had 6-7 leaves. I've been hand-picking the caterpillars and removing the leaves infested with aphids, but I could use some guidance on the best approach for these pests.
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Just to clarify, you might be looking for BT, which is really helpful for caterpillars! I’m not so familiar with what to do for aphids, but I heard lemongrass can kill the larvae too. Just a thought!
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If you're dealing with caterpillars, try using a handheld black light at night—those little guys glow in the dark! It's a fun way to spot them. Just a heads up, their droppings glow too, so watch out for that!
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I’d recommend using a garden net to keep those cabbage worms off your brassicas. I usually grab some tulle fabric from a craft store and make my own covers, and they work wonders! For the aphids, mixing neem oil with a bit of Castile soap can do the trick. Good luck tackling those pests!
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BugBuster88: Ha, I didn’t know about the poop glowing! That's a neat trick.