Hello readers,
In this series I'm going to break down the basics of garden pests, what to look for, what climate attracts them and methods of getting rid of them. Today's topic: Cabbage Moths.
When do they emerge?
May and June
Pupae that overwintered in the soil emerges as an adult
What is the life cycle of cabbage moths?
Eggs hatch in 4-8 days into larvae
The larvae mature over the next 2-3 weeks, eating on the plant
The larvae transition into the pupae stage
After about one/two weeks adults emerge, mate, and lay eggs
There are usually 3 to 5 generations per year
The “moths” (actually butterflies) are destructive, just the larva
How to ID them?
The butterflies are cream colored with black markings and generally can be seen from early spring to late fall.
Eggs are oblong and white or yellow and can be spotted on underside of leaves
Cabbage “worms” aka the larvae are small green caterpillars with yellow stripes and a large appetite. They are the real culprits behind the plant destruction.
What do they eat?
Broccoli
Kale
Collard Greens
Cabbage
Turnips
Lettuce
Mustard Greens
Brussel Sprouts
How to Avoid them?
Scouting for critters and traces of moths, eggs, etc. The larvae likes to feed at the base of the plant, first. So I’d start there.
Mechanical Controls:
Cover your crops with a light weight cloth or tent to let light in, but keep larvae and egg-laying adult butterflies out.
Companion Planting
Plant Red or Purple Cabbages/Kale
Whether it’s lack of camouflage or dislike of these varieties, cabbage worms tend to avoid feeding on these.
How to Get Rid of Them?
Remove larvae and eggs by hand and throw into soapy water
Biological Controls
Try introducing parasitic wasps
These wasps lay their eggs inside or next to caterpillars and pupae. The wasp eggs will hatch and immediately have a source to feed on. RIP cabbage larvae
Other beneficial insects include
Spiders
Yellow Jackets
Green Lacewings (my personal favorites)
Lady Beetles/Bugs
Natural Remedy
Try a homemade spray
¼ c Vinega, ¾ c water, 1 tsp dish soap
Cover top and bottom of leaves, but don’t saturate soil
Sprinkling Diatomaceous earth on the leaves. It’s essential ground up fossils and can cut insect skin if it comes in contact with them..
Neem Oil or BT are sprays that can also be utilized.
Neem Oil would be the lesser and gentler of the two, still effective but not dangerous to beneficials.
BT is a pesticide and should be applied as directed