Black Dots on High-Rise Petunias: Caterpillars or Flea Beetles?

Petunias on a 25th-floor NYC terrace show black dots on leaves and flower damage. Two likely culprits: tobacco hornworm caterpillars (droppings = black dots) or potato flea beetles (tiny jumping black insects). Both love petunias—caterpillars eat flowers and leaves; beetles chew shot-holes in foliage.

Identification

• Caterpillars: Look for green/yellow egg pearls on leaves; droppings are stationary black dots.
• Flea beetles: Dots jump when disturbed; size of a period. Larvae feed on roots in June; adults emerge July.

Organic Control

Insecticidal soap (Safer brand) works on both. Spray thoroughly, repeat in 10 days. For beetles, beneficial nematodes in soil target larvae. Don't ignore—populations explode yearly. If tomatoes are nearby, they're next.

High-rise doesn't mean pest-free. Moths and beetles fly up. Act fast.