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Hairy Caterpillars Defoliating UK Garden in October: Bt & DE

Yorkshire, UK: Brown hairy caterpillars (ruby tiger moth?) eating everything—roses, rhubarb, dahlia, cherry tree (web in curled leaves). Honeysuckle curling. Late Oct, still active. Garden center spray failed.

Effective Organic Controls

Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis): Powder (Dipel, Green Step, MVP). Dust foliage. Caterpillars eat, stop, die. Organic.
Diatomaceous earth: Fossil powder. Abrasive → dehydration. Dust plants & soil.

Apply now. Late season = may be final generation. Bt works on all caterpillars.

Links to Planet Natural & Gardens Alive.

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