Question
mom has big sunflowers next to house-leaves being savaged by yellow hairy catapillars--wooly-worms-can you identify? butterflies? or just old pests-good treatment?----northern indiana-spencerville. thank you

Answer
Dave, without a picture, it is next to impossible to identify what type of caterpillar is infesting the sunflowers. But regardless of the type, the treatment is the same - BT.

BT is an organic insecticide which is short for Bacillus thuringiensis, more commonly sold under the brand names Dipel or MVP. It is a dust that is non-toxic to humans and beneficials but highly effective against caterpillars and hornworms.  You can purchase this product through on-line catalogs such as Gardens Alive or locally at many garden centers.

I hope this answered your question.  Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike