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Little caterpillars eating all my plants

They are about 1/2". They curled up when being touched. Can you tell me what they are and how to control them?
Thanks

Doug says, I can barely see them in the photo (sorry) but let me tell you that there are several solutions to caterpillars of this kind. The first and most effective is a spray called Bt. This is a bacteria that paralyzes the gut of caterpillars and then they starve to death. It doesn't hurt anything else but caterpillars so it's extremely effective.

You could also dust with the organic Rotenone but do NOT breathe this spray. It is pretty toxic stuff (even though it's organic) to mammals as well as caterpillars so I always recommend you use it as a last resort (after the Bt). But it works like a charm and pests die very quickly when they come in contact with it. Read the label for application instructions and how often to repeat dust.

Comments for
Little caterpillars eating all my plants

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Jun 27, 2009
 Cabbage white caterpillars.
by: Luisa

Hello there/// I didnt have the extra money to buy a spray, so i did it the old fashion way. I put gloves on and hand picked the catterpillars right off my moms rue plant. There was 12 of them. i had read on other forums that many people squish them but i didnt have the heart to do that, even though i hate butterflies. I simply gave them a new home away from my moms favorite flowers.
Aug 21, 2008
 Caterpillars
by: Moni

Ditto to what Doug said. These are small stages of the caterpillar...my guess is they will get at least twice as big. We could better ID with photo on the plant and close up. Either way treating like Doug said and you are OK.
Can you get a more close up photo?
What kind of plants was it eating?
Was there any webbing near by?
What color are they?
Any stripes, bristles or hairs on the caterpillars?
Thanks

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