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Preventing Catalpa Worms (Catawba Worms) on Catalpa Trees

Controlling Catalpa Sphinx Caterpillars

A homeowner wants to stop catawba worms from defoliating their catalpa trees every summer. They don't fish, so they have no use for the caterpillars as bait.

Options

Spray foliage with Bt or other caterpillar insecticide when larvae are small; may need repeat applications.
Soil drench with systemic imidacloprid (Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub) for season-long control—roots move it to leaves.
Sell the caterpillars to a local bait dealer—turn a pest into profit.

Systemic treatment is easiest for large trees; spraying works for small ones.

Trees: Green Caterpillars on Hybrid Ash: Identifying Inchworms and Management Options; Orange Worms in Acorns: Weevil Larvae, Minimal Impact; Tan Worms in Kitchen Sink/Strainer: Need Photo or Sample; Catawba Worms: Control or Sell for Bait; Fall Webworms on Live Oaks & Elms: Identification & Control; Restoring Catalpa Worms for Fish Bait; Growing Catawba Trees from Seed Pods: What You Need to Know; Honey Locust Loopers: Seasonal Management; Growing Catalpa Trees for Fishing Worms; Catalpa Trees and Catawba Worms: The Fisherman's Secret Bait Source

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