Flowering Plum Caterpillar Outbreak: Identification and Prevention

Late Summer Defoliation by Half-Inch Caterpillars

Flowering plum lost all leaves; caterpillars spread to flowering almond and coneflowers. Owner wants ID and prevention for next year.

Expert Recommendations

Many caterpillar types. Effective insecticides: Sevin or Bt (Dipel, Thuricide). Bt is biological. Spray entire plant; coverage and timing critical. Read labels. Prep bed normally; no special soil treatment needed.